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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Billings is 48% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,097/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 11%
$71,855/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 27%
$311,800 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 62%
$1,177/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 17%
118,321
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $19,685/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Lansing — common questions

Is Billings or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Lansing?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Lansing?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $19,685/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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Lansing details →

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