Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Abilene is 15% cheaper than Billings.

$1,106/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ≈ Same
$62,720/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 15%
$178,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 74%
$1,114/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 6%
127,130
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,135/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Billings — common questions

Is Abilene or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Billings?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Billings?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $9,135/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Billings details →