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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Billings is 38% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,097/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 63%
$71,855/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 97%
$311,800 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 54%
$1,177/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 70%
118,321
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $69,498/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Billings or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $69,498/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View The Woodlands details →

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