Factors influencing moving costs from Lancaster to Billingstoggle

The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Lancaster to Billings can be as low as $1,438 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,930.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lancaster, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $915 to $2,405. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lancaster to Billings

Lancaster Billings
Average rent cost $2,600 $1,300
Average home value $473,053 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $74,723 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $2,540 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,562 $4,536
Unemployment rate 15.6% 4.1%
Sales tax 10.25% 0.0%
State income tax 13.3% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 50% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Home prices in Billings are 19.3% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Income in Billings is 15.0% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Billings is 30.2% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The cost of living for a family in Billings is 18.4% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 73.72% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Lancaster.
  • State income taxes in Billings are 49.25% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,094.09 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How life is different in Lancaster vs. Billings

Billings Lancaster
Population 184,167 173,516
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 0
Walkability score 35 29
Bike friendliness score 47 40
Crime Index 48.63 45.5
Safety Index 50.37 54.5
Air Quality Good Good
  • Billings's population is about 6% greater than Lancaster.
  • Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Lancaster's higher score of 0.
  • Billings is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 47 out of 100, Billings is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Billings's crime rate is higher than Lancaster with a score of 48.63 compared to Lancaster's 45.5. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
  • Billings is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 50.37 vs Lancaster's 54.5.
  • Air quality in Billings is good, and in Lancaster it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Billings move

  • Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Billings. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Billings

Now that you've decided to make the move to " Magic City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Billings.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown Billings
  • South Park
  • Poly Vista
  • North Park
  • Shiloh Crossing

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Josephine Crossing
  • West End
  • Heights
  • Briarwood
  • Ironwood Estates

Things to do in Billingstoggle

After settling into your new Montana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Billings has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Billings is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone County Museum, and Wise Wonders Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Lancaster to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lancaster.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Billings?

Because most people are moving from Lancaster to Billings in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Lancaster to Billings take?

The 1,219-mile move from Lancaster, CA, to Billings, MT, takes two to eight days. Some Lancaster movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.

Helpful moving resources