Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Billings, MT (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Anchorage is 31% more expensive than Billings.

$1,453/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 25%
$98,152/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 27%
$375,900 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 17%
$1,698/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 31%
289,069
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $26,297/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Billings — common questions

Is Anchorage or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Billings?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Billings?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $26,297/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Montana?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Billings

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston