Cost of Living: Hartford, CT vs Billings, MT (2026)

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Hartford is 6% cheaper than Billings.

$1,221/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 10%
$45,300/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 59%
$217,200 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 44%
$1,279/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 8%
119,970
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $26,555/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartford vs Billings — common questions

Is Hartford or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and Billings?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or Billings?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $26,555/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Montana?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/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 Hartford details → View Billings details →

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