Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Billings, MT (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Nashville is 28% more expensive than Billings.

$1,486/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 26%
$75,197/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 4%
$383,100 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 19%
$1,471/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 20%
684,298
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $3,342/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Billings — common questions

Is Nashville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Billings?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Billings?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $3,342/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Montana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Billings details →

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