Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Boston is 105% more expensive than Billings.

$2,093/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 48%
$94,755/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 24%
$710,400 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 56%
$2,176/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 46%
663,972
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $996/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $11,952/year.

Median household income is $22,900/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Billings — common questions

Is Boston or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Billings?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $996/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Billings?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $22,900/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Montana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Billings details →

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