Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Billings is 18% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,097/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 8%
$71,855/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 32%
$311,800 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 24%
$1,177/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 12%
118,321
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.74%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $23,319/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Billings or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $23,319/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Alabama?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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