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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Columbus is 3% cheaper than Billings.

$1,224/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 10%
$65,327/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 10%
$234,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 33%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 5%
906,480
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $6,528/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Ohio 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 83 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Billings?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Billings?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $6,528/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 Columbus or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 →

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