Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Billings, MT (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Minneapolis is 19% more expensive than Billings.

$1,329/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 17%
$80,269/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 10%
$345,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 10%
$1,513/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 22%
426,845
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $8,414/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Billings — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Billings?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Billings?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $8,414/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Montana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Billings details →

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