Moving from Billings, MT to Ohio: Costs & Top Movers
If you're moving from Billings to Ohio, you're looking at roughly 1,548 miles and a significant jump in annual rainfall. The good news: your cost of living won't shift dramatically. Below, I'll walk you through the movers worth considering, what you'll actually pay, and what daily life looks like once you land in Ohio.
Top moving companies in Billings for Ohio moves
I evaluated six Billings movers that handle interstate work. Here are the five worth your attention:
- Aaron's Back Company — 4.2 / 5
- Baker Transfer & Storage — 4.2 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 3.8 / 5
- McKell Brothers Hauling Inc. — 3.7 / 5
Aaron's Back Company
Contact: (406) 670-4045
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in business: 17
BBB Grade: A+
Out of 166 reviews, 97% were positive. What stands out: customers consistently praise the crew for being polite, professional, and efficient—especially with heavy or delicate items. They move quickly without cutting corners. A handful of complaints mention occasional damage or spotty follow-up, but those are exceptions. For an interstate move to Ohio, this outfit delivers reliability without the premium markup of national chains.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes. Cash and credit accepted.
Baker Transfer & Storage
Contact: (406) 245-3147
License: 469163 (MT) | DOT: 469163
Years in business: 13
BBB Grade: A+
Among 27 reviews, 78% were positive. Customers highlight professionalism, careful handling, and courteous crews. The negatives center on surprise cost overages and occasional scheduling delays—common friction points in the industry. If you're moving specialty items (pianos, safes, pool tables), this company has the infrastructure.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, crating, storage, safes. Cash and credit accepted.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Contact: (406) 219-4070
License: 3796877 (MT) | DOT: 2527384
Positivity rate: 61%
Of 23 reviews, 60.9% were positive. The crew is quick and polite, and customers report smooth moves with reliable communication. About 39% of feedback, though, raises red flags: unprofessional behavior, unexpected charges, or damage on larger moves. This mover is solid for straightforward jobs but inconsistent when complications arise.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
McKell Brothers Hauling Inc.
Contact: (406) 259-1249
Rating: 3.7 / 5
Limited review data, but the company handles local moves and offers packing/unpacking services. Treat this as a backup option if the others are fully booked.
What does it cost to move from Billings to Ohio?
Use our moving cost calculator to get precise quotes, but here's what to expect:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,330 – $5,632 | $986 – $2,449 | $905 – $1,650 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,242 – $7,648 | $1,726 – $3,575 | $931 – $1,964 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,651 – $10,818 | $2,374 – $4,823 | $1,137 – $2,547 |
These are approximate estimates for a 1,548-mile move. Your final price depends on move size, services ordered, seasonal demand, fuel costs, and local access. Summer moves cost more. Always get multiple quotes.
Full-service movers
Movers pack, load, transport, unload, and often provide storage. Costs scale with household size and season. Winter moves (November–March) run 20–30% cheaper than summer peaks.
Moving containers
Portable storage—PODS, U-Pack, etc.—lets you load on your timeline and keep the container onsite temporarily. Better for flexible moves; more expensive than rental trucks but hands-off on the drive.
Rental trucks
Truck rentals are the cheapest option but require you to drive and do all the labor. Budget includes estimated fuel; actual costs vary by vehicle size and gas prices.
Key cost factors
Move size: A studio runs roughly a third of what a 4-bedroom costs.
Season: Peak summer (May–September) can add 30–50% to your quote. Book off-season if flexible.
Distance: 1,548 miles is a solid long-haul move. Fuel surcharges apply in volatile gas markets.
Add-ons: Packing, unpacking, crating for antiques, or piano moving all increase the tab.
Access: Stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, or lack of parking on either end mean higher labor costs.
Cost of living: Billings vs. Ohio
Here's the honest picture:
| Category | Billings, MT | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,300 | $945 | 27% cheaper in Ohio |
| Average home price | $381,592 | $230,798 | 40% cheaper in Ohio |
| Per capita income | $63,515 | $66,990 | 6% higher in Ohio |
| Cost of living index | 95 | 94 | Roughly equal |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.6% | 12% lower in Ohio |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 3.5% | 48% lower in Ohio |
Bottom line: Ohio is measurably cheaper on housing and rent, with a lower tax burden. Your monthly budget will likely tighten, especially if you own. Job hunters get a small advantage in Ohio's tighter labor market.
What life is actually like in Ohio vs. Billings
Weather & climate
| Metric | Billings | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 88°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 16°F | 20°F |
| Annual rainfall | 14″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 46″ | 28″ |
Ohio is slightly warmer in winter and gets triple the rain. You'll see greener vegetation but more gray days. Snowfall is lighter—no more epic shoveling sessions—but humidity in Ohio summers can be sticky.
Population & politics
Ohio has 11.8 million residents (Billings: 184,000). Politically, both lean Republican, so no culture shock there. Ohio's urban centers (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) offer more amenities; rural Ohio resembles Montana more closely.
Safety
Ohio's crime index is 20.76; Billings is 48.63. Ohio is materially safer, especially in established neighborhoods.
Before you move: logistics and regulations
USDOT registration
Any mover quoting your job must have a USDOT number. Verify it at fmcsa.dot.gov. Ohio doesn't require a state license, but federal registration is mandatory.
Parking permits
Some Ohio municipalities require a parking permit for moving trucks. Check with your city or county before moving day.
Building access
If you're moving into an apartment or condo, reserve elevators in advance. Many buildings require 48–72 hours' notice.
Change of address
File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwarding starts on time.
Moving insurance
Standard mover liability covers 60 cents per pound—basically nothing for a full household. Ask about full-value replacement coverage or buy a third-party moving insurance policy. Costs typically run $200–$500 but protect high-value items.
HOA rules
If your new Ohio home is in an HOA, review move-in day restrictions. Some ban moves on weekends or require advance notice.
Timeline: how long does it take?
Expect 4–15 days from pickup to delivery, depending on the service:
- Full-service movers: 7–12 days typical
- Moving containers: 10–15 days (you control packing/unpacking pace)
- Rental truck: 2–3 days (you drive it straight)
Summer moves often slip to the longer end of the range due to backlog. Book early if you have a hard deadline.
Getting a quote
Compare quotes from multiple movers before committing. Most reputable companies offer free in-home estimates; some quote remotely with photos. Ask about:
- All-inclusive pricing (no hidden fees)
- Deductible or released-value coverage
- Pickup and delivery windows
- Whether they handle stairs/heavy items at no extra charge
Aaron's Back Company and Baker Transfer & Storage both offer free quotes and transparent pricing.
What to do in Ohio
Once you're settled, Ohio delivers more than you'd expect:
Museums & culture: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland), Franklin Park Conservatory (Columbus), Cleveland Museum of Art, National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton).
Outdoor recreation: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Wayne National Forest, Hocking Hills (hiking and waterfalls), Maumee Bay State Park on Lake Erie.
Sports: Reds and Guardians (MLB), Bengals and Browns (NFL), Cavaliers (NBA). If you're a fan, Cleveland and Cincinnati are passionate sports towns.
Universities: Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve, Kent State—all with active cultural calendars and events.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find movers who offer custom crating?
Yes. Baker Transfer & Storage and Aaron's Back Company both offer crating for artwork, antiques, and fragile pieces. Request details on materials, padding, and lead times when you quote.
Do Billings movers accept cash?
Three movers in Billings accept cash, but it's uncommon. Most prefer credit card, ACH, or cashier's check for receipts and traceability. Expect to pay a deposit upfront and the balance at pickup or delivery.
How do I ship my car to Ohio?
Hire a professional auto transport company. They handle all logistics; you don't drive cross-country. Costs typically run $800–$1,500 depending on vehicle size and service tier.
Why are people moving to Ohio from Billings?
Lower housing costs, job opportunities in major metros, and a milder climate draw people. If you're relocating for work, Ohio's unemployment rate is notably lower than Montana's.
Next steps
Get multiple quotes. Use our moving cost calculator or call Aaron's Back Company and Baker Transfer & Storage directly. Compare prices, delivery windows, and insurance options.
Read reviews. Check Yelp and Google for recent feedback from others who've moved with each company.
Book early. If you're moving in May–September, lock in your date 4–6 weeks ahead to secure availability and pricing.
Plan logistics. Confirm parking permits, HOA rules, and change-of-address timing. Small oversights create last-minute friction.
Your move from Billings to Ohio is straightforward: reasonable costs, reliable movers, and measurable financial gains once you land. Get quotes today, and you'll be on your way.