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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fort Collins is 59% more expensive than Billings.

$1,661/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 34%
$83,598/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 14%
$548,400 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 43%
$1,692/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 30%
169,705
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $11,743/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Billings — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Billings?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Billings?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $11,743/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Billings details →

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