Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Des Moines is 19% cheaper than Billings.

$1,054/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 4%
$63,966/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
$183,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 70%
$1,137/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 4%
212,464
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,889/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Billings — common questions

Is Des Moines or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Billings?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Billings?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,889/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Montana?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Billings details →

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