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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Louisville is 14% cheaper than Billings.

$1,069/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 3%
$64,731/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 11%
$221,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 41%
$1,118/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 5%
627,210
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,124/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Billings — common questions

Is Louisville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Billings?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Billings?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,124/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 Louisville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Billings details →

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