Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Billings is 28% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,097/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 46%
$71,855/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 6%
$311,800 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 27%
$1,177/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 42%
118,321
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.74%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $4,350/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Lowell — common questions

Is Billings or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Lowell?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Lowell?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $4,350/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Massachusetts?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Lowell details →

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