Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Billings is 153% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,097/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 150%
$71,855/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 76%
$311,800 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 234%
$1,177/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 124%
118,321
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.74%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,645/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $19,740/year.

Median household income is $54,614/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Billings or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Cambridge?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,645/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Cambridge?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $54,614/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Massachusetts?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Cambridge details →