Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Allentown is 7% cheaper than Billings.

$1,269/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 14%
$53,403/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 35%
$188,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 65%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 5%
125,320
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
Sales Tax
0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $18,452/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Billings — common questions

Is Allentown or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Billings?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Billings?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $18,452/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Montana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/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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