Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Gainesville is 6% cheaper than Billings.

$1,214/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 10%
$45,611/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 58%
$235,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 33%
$1,167/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ≈ Same
143,611
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $26,244/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Billings — common questions

Is Gainesville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Billings?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Billings?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $26,244/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Montana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/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 Gainesville details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Billings

Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston