Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Billings, MT (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Lexington is 5% cheaper than Billings.

$1,101/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ≈ Same
$67,631/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 6%
$272,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 15%
$1,160/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 1%
321,122
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,224/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Billings — common questions

Is Lexington or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Billings?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Billings?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $4,224/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Montana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Billings details →

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