Cost of Living: Laredo, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Laredo is 22% cheaper than Billings.

$1,001/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 10%
$63,264/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 14%
$182,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 71%
$1,066/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 10%
255,949
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $8,591/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Billings — common questions

Is Laredo or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Billings?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Billings?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $8,591/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Laredo or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Laredo and Billings

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