Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Elizabeth is 30% more expensive than Billings.

$1,463/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 25%
$63,874/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
$393,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 21%
$1,543/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
135,887
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $7,981/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Billings — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Billings?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Billings?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,981/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Montana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Billings

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston