Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Billings is 4% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,097/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 15%
$71,855/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 23%
$311,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 19%
$1,177/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
118,321
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.74%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $16,461/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Elgin — common questions

Is Billings or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Elgin?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Elgin?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $16,461/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Illinois?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Elgin details →

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