Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Billings is 13% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,097/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 8%
$71,855/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 28%
$311,800 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 41%
$1,177/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 8%
118,321
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.74%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $20,213/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Billings or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Waterbury?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Waterbury?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $20,213/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Connecticut?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Waterbury details →

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