Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Billings, MT (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Detroit is 38% cheaper than Billings.

$1,034/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 6%
$39,575/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 82%
$76,800 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 306%
$868/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 36%
636,644
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $32,280/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Billings — common questions

Is Detroit or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Billings?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Billings?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $32,280/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Montana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Billings details →

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