Moving from Billings, MT to Kent, WA
It is 815 mi between Billings and Kent β roughly 14h 19m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
815 mi Β· 14h 19m by car Β· WA β ID β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 2, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Renton, Tacoma, Bellevue, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 18.8% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $392,209 to $656,314 moving to Kent.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 40.1" |
Annual temperature rises 5.6Β°F moving to Kent per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.89 |
Kent households earn about 18.8% more than Billings at the median β $71,855 β $90,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Kent more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 18.8% higher than Billings (111.133 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Kent, WA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 815 mi and the route typically takes 14h 19m via I 90 and US 2. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $71,855 in Billings β a 25.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 815 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $392,209 in Billings β a 67.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Kent, WA.