Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Billings, MT (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Denver is 71% more expensive than Billings.

$1,770/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 38%
$91,681/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 22%
$586,700 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 47%
$1,839/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 36%
713,734
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $19,826/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Billings — common questions

Is Denver or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Billings?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Billings?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $19,826/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Montana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Billings

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