Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Billings, MT (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Baltimore and Billings have a similar cost of living.

$1,290/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 15%
$59,623/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 21%
$219,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 42%
$1,333/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 12%
577,193
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $12,232/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Billings — common questions

Is Baltimore or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Billings?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Billings?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,232/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Montana?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Billings details →

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