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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Birmingham is 28% cheaper than Billings.

$1,047/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 5%
$44,376/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 62%
$138,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 125%
$991/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 19%
199,322
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $27,479/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Billings — common questions

Is Birmingham or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Billings?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Billings?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $27,479/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Montana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Billings details →

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