Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Billings, MT (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Albuquerque is 6% cheaper than Billings.

$1,085/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 1%
$65,604/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 10%
$266,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 17%
$1,149/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 2%
562,488
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,251/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Billings — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Billings?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Billings?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $6,251/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Montana?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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.
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