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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Billings is 42% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,097/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 66%
$71,855/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 34%
$311,800 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 30%
$1,177/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 53%
118,321
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $24,402/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Richardson — common questions

Is Billings or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Richardson?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Richardson?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $24,402/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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