Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Billings, MT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Madison is 20% more expensive than Billings.

$1,364/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 20%
$76,983/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 7%
$346,900 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 10%
$1,476/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 20%
275,568
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $5,128/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Billings — common questions

Is Madison or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Billings?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Billings?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,128/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Montana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Billings details →

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