Cost of Living: Independence, MO vs Billings, MT (2026)

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Independence is 22% cheaper than Billings.

$1,061/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 3%
$59,480/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 21%
$166,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 87%
$1,046/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 13%
121,944
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,375/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs Billings — common questions

Is Independence or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and Billings?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or Billings?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,375/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Montana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Independence or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/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 Independence details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Independence and Billings

Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston