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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Amarillo is 17% cheaper than Billings.

$1,049/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 5%
$62,469/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 15%
$186,800 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 67%
$1,074/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 10%
200,945
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,386/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Billings — common questions

Is Amarillo or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Billings?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Billings?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $9,386/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 Amarillo or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Billings details →