Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Billings is 41% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,097/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 14%
$71,855/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 9%
$311,800 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 50%
$1,177/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
118,321
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.74%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $6,318/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Springfield — common questions

Is Billings or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Springfield?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Springfield?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $6,318/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Illinois?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Billings and Springfield

Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces