Moving from Everett, WA to Billings, MT

A move from Everett, WA to Billings, MT covers 839 mi and around 14h 43m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.

839 mi Β· 14h 43m by car Β· MT β†’ ID β†’ WA

COL -15.8% Home values -40.8% Ξ” -3.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
839 mi
Drive time
14h 43m
States
3
Fuel (25 mpg)
34 gal
Route throughMT β†’ ID β†’ WA
Primary highwaysI 90, US 191, US 212
Major cities en routeSpokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue, Kent, Renton

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

EverettBillingsU.S. avg
All items (RPP)111.13393.526100.0
Rents92.81472.437100.0
Goods103.97296.006100.0
Services151.31477.364100.0

Overall prices in Billings are 15.8% below Everett β€” a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Everett β€” typical home
$662,786
Billings β€” typical home
$392,209
Everett β€” typical rent
$1,885/mo
Billings β€” typical rent
$1,419/mo

Housing gap is large: Billings typical home at $392,209 is 15.8% under Everett at $662,786 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Everett -0.9%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsEverettBillings
Annual avg temperature52Β°F48Β°F
January avg low35Β°F18Β°F
July avg high75Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”57.4"
Annual precipitation40.3"14.3"

Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β€” 52.1Β°F vs 48.2Β°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals β€” budget for winter gear and plowing.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: EVERETT, WA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023EverettBillings
Population111,083118,321
Median household income$81,502$71,855
Median age37.138.1
Bachelor's degree or higher19.8%25%
Avg household size2.512.35

Median household income in Billings is 15.8% below Everett ($81,502 β†’ $71,855, ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Everett MSA β€” median wage
$65,260
Billings MSA β€” median wage
$46,000
Everett MSA β€” employment
2,079,090
Billings MSA β€” employment
89,600

Top occupations in Billings MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 11,390 $41,920
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 9,620 $28,940
Sales and Related Occupations 9,260 $36,980
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 8,020 $43,020
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 6,880 $79,030

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Washington and Montana

Washington income tax
no state income tax
Montana income tax
5.9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Montana'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 20–30% 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

  • Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β€” check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
  • Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
  • Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β€” check WSDOT mountain passes report.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Winter gear first: Billings averages 57.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • Dry climate: Billings sees only 14.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
  • 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 Montana after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Everett?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $662,786 in Everett β€” a 40.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Everett vs Billings?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $81,502 in Everett β€” a 11.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Billings compare to Everett?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $65,260 in the Everett MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is Billings, MT from Everett, WA?

The driving distance is 839 mi and the route typically takes 14h 43m via I 90 and US 191. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Everett to Billings?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 839 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Billings more expensive than Everett?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 15.8% lower than Everett (93.526 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Everett.

City profiles: Everett, WA Β· Billings, MT.

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