Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Billings, MT (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Kansas City is 24% cheaper than Billings.

$1,073/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 2%
$59,183/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 21%
$147,100 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 112%
$1,054/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 12%
154,776
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,672/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Billings — common questions

Is Kansas City or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Billings?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Billings?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,672/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Montana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Billings details →

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