Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Billings, MT (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Arvada is 77% more expensive than Billings.

$1,802/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 39%
$113,396/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 37%
$600,800 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 48%
$1,948/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 40%
122,835
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $41,541/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Billings — common questions

Is Arvada or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Billings?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Billings?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $41,541/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Montana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arvada and Billings

Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston