Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Billings, MT (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Billings

Montana
86

New Orleans is 5% more expensive than Billings.

$1,211/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 9%
$55,339/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 30%
$296,400 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 5%
$1,274/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 8%
376,035
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $16,516/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Billings — common questions

Is New Orleans or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Billings?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Billings?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $16,516/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Montana?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Billings

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