Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Billings is 4% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,097/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 21%
$71,855/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 2%
$311,800 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 33%
$1,177/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 6%
118,321
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.74%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $1,175/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Odessa — common questions

Is Billings or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Odessa?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Odessa?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $1,175/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Texas?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Odessa details →

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