Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Billings is 20% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,097/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 54%
$71,855/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 7%
$311,800 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 6%
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 31%
118,321
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.74%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $5,213/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Brandon — common questions

Is Billings or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Brandon?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Brandon?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $5,213/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Florida?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Brandon details →

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