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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Arlington is 10% more expensive than Billings.

$1,389/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 21%
$73,519/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 2%
$276,400 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 13%
$1,420/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 17%
394,769
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $1,664/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Billings — common questions

Is Arlington or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Billings?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Billings?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $1,664/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Billings details →

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