Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Columbus is 20% cheaper than Billings.

$1,072/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 2%
$56,622/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 27%
$182,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 71%
$1,064/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 11%
204,383
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,233/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Billings — common questions

Is Columbus or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Billings?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Billings?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $15,233/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Montana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Billings

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston