Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Mesa is 24% more expensive than Billings.

$1,478/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 26%
$78,779/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 9%
$364,300 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 14%
$1,404/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 16%
507,478
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $6,924/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Billings — common questions

Is Mesa or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Billings?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Billings?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $6,924/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Montana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Billings

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston