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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Milwaukee is 22% cheaper than Billings.

$1,033/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 6%
$51,888/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 38%
$172,000 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 81%
$1,082/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 9%
569,756
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $19,967/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Billings — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Billings?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Billings?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $19,967/year higher in Billings.
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 Milwaukee or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Billings details →

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