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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Billings is 5% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,097/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 18%
$71,855/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 15%
$311,800 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 27%
$1,177/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 2%
118,321
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $10,908/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Billings or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Lakeland?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Lakeland?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $10,908/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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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