Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Huntsville is 9% cheaper than Billings.

$1,078/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 2%
$70,778/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 2%
$263,100 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 19%
$1,046/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 13%
218,814
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,077/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Billings — common questions

Is Huntsville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Billings?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Billings?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $1,077/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Montana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Billings

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston