Moving from Kent, WA to Billings, MT
Relocating 815 mi from Kent to Billings is a 14h 19m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
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
| Kent | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Expect about 15.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Billings at 93.526 vs Kent at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $656,314 to $392,209 moving to Billings.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 14.3" |
Expect 5.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Billings averages 57.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.8% β $90,416 β $71,855 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Billings MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median 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
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 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Kent to Billings?
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 much do homes cost in Billings compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $656,314 in Kent β a 40.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent 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 Kent, WA?
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.
Is Billings more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 15.8% lower than Kent (93.526 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $90,416 in Kent β a 20.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Billings, MT.