Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Mobile is 23% cheaper than Billings.

$1,029/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 7%
$51,090/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 41%
$170,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 83%
$1,016/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 16%
185,097
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $20,765/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Mobile slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Billings — common questions

Is Mobile or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Billings?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Billings?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $20,765/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Montana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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 Mobile details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Billings

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston