Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Jersey City is 72% more expensive than Billings.

$1,902/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 42%
$94,813/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 24%
$534,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 42%
$2,006/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 41%
289,691
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $22,958/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Billings — common questions

Is Jersey City or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Billings?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Billings?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $22,958/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Montana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Billings details →

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