Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Gilbert is 72% more expensive than Billings.

$2,028/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 46%
$121,351/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 41%
$518,600 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 40%
$1,908/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 38%
271,118
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $931/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $11,172/year.

Median household income is $49,496/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Billings — common questions

Is Gilbert or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Billings?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $931/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Billings?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $49,496/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Montana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Billings details →

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