Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Billings, MT (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Billings

Montana
86

New York is 93% more expensive than Billings.

$1,779/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 38%
$79,713/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 10%
$751,700 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 59%
$1,837/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 36%
8,516,202
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $682/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,184/year.

Median household income is $7,858/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Billings — common questions

Is New York or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Billings?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $682/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Billings?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,858/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Montana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 York details → View Billings details →

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