Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Kent is 69% more expensive than Billings.

$1,833/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 40%
$90,416/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 21%
$537,500 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 42%
$1,915/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 39%
135,015
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $18,561/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Billings — common questions

Is Kent or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Billings?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Billings?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $18,561/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Montana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Billings

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston