Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Billings is 7% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,097/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 15%
$71,855/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 9%
$311,800 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 34%
$1,177/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ≈ Same
118,321
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.74%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $6,663/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Billings or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Dearborn?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Dearborn?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $6,663/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Michigan?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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