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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Billings is 18% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,097/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 40%
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 10%
$311,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 5%
$1,177/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 20%
118,321
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $7,415/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Billings or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Clearwater?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Clearwater?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $7,415/year higher in Billings.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Billings and Clearwater

Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville