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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Austin is 56% more expensive than Billings.

$1,655/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 34%
$91,461/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 21%
$512,700 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 39%
$1,747/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 33%
967,862
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $19,606/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Billings — common questions

Is Austin or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Billings?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Billings?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $19,606/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Billings details →

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