Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Alexandria is 101% more expensive than Billings.

$2,031/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 46%
$113,638/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 37%
$696,800 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 55%
$2,173/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 46%
156,788
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $934/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $11,208/year.

Median household income is $41,783/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Billings — common questions

Is Alexandria or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Billings?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $934/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Billings?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $41,783/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Montana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Billings

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston