Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Billings, MT (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Boise is 30% more expensive than Billings.

$1,359/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 19%
$81,308/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 12%
$456,000 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 32%
$1,337/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 12%
235,701
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $9,453/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Billings — common questions

Is Boise or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Billings?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Billings?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $9,453/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Montana?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Billings details →

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