Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Billings, MT (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Honolulu is 103% more expensive than Billings.

$1,783/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 38%
$85,428/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 16%
$834,100 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 63%
$1,809/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 35%
346,323
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $13,573/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Billings — common questions

Is Honolulu or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Billings?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Billings?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $13,573/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Montana?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/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 Honolulu details → View Billings details →

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