Cost of Living: Columbia, MO vs Billings, MT (2026)

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Columbia is 7% cheaper than Billings.

$1,067/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 3%
$64,488/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 11%
$268,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 16%
$1,114/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 6%
127,200
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,367/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Billings — common questions

Is Columbia or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Billings?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Billings?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,367/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Montana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/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 Columbia details → View Billings details →

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