Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Athens is 3% cheaper than Billings.

$1,162/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 6%
$51,655/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 39%
$271,800 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 15%
$1,163/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 1%
126,987
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $20,200/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Billings — common questions

Is Athens or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Billings?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Billings?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $20,200/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Montana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Billings details →

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