Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Bellevue is 191% more expensive than Billings.

$2,505/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 56%
$161,300/yr ↑ 124%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 55%
$1,203,100 ↑ 286%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 74%
$2,586/mo ↑ 120%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 54%
151,199
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,408/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $16,896/year.

Median household income is $89,445/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Billings — common questions

Is Bellevue or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Billings?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,408/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Billings?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $89,445/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Montana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Billings

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston