Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Billings, MT (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Cincinnati is 20% cheaper than Billings.

$953/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 15%
$51,707/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 39%
$215,300 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 45%
$1,041/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 13%
309,595
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $20,148/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Billings — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Billings?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Billings?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $20,148/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Montana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Billings details →

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