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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Arlington is 136% more expensive than Billings.

$2,275/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 52%
$140,160/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 49%
$864,800 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 64%
$2,414/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 51%
235,463
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,178/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $14,136/year.

Median household income is $68,305/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Billings?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,178/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Billings?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $68,305/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Montana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Billings

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