Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Jacksonville is 7% more expensive than Billings.

$1,375/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 20%
$66,981/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 7%
$266,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 17%
$1,324/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 11%
961,739
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $4,874/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Billings — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Billings?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Billings?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $4,874/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Montana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Billings details →

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