Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Garland is 12% more expensive than Billings.

$1,525/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 28%
$74,717/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 4%
$248,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 25%
$1,445/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 19%
245,298
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $2,862/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Billings — common questions

Is Garland or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Billings?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Billings?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $2,862/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Billings

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