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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Billings is 37% cheaper than Allen.

$1,097/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 71%
$71,855/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 80%
$311,800 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 38%
$1,177/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 77%
118,321
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $57,275/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Allen — common questions

Is Billings or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Allen?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Allen?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $57,275/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Texas?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Allen details →

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