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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Aurora is 51% more expensive than Billings.

$1,759/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 38%
$84,320/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 15%
$444,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 30%
$1,762/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 33%
390,201
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $12,465/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Billings — common questions

Is Aurora or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Billings?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Billings?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,465/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Billings details →

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