Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Billings, MT (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Ann Arbor is 41% more expensive than Billings.

$1,552/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 29%
$81,089/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 11%
$435,100 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 28%
$1,638/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 28%
121,179
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $9,234/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Billings — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Billings?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Billings?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $9,234/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Montana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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 Ann Arbor details → View Billings details →

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