Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Newark is 16% more expensive than Billings.

$1,330/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 18%
$48,416/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 48%
$337,800 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 8%
$1,419/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 17%
307,188
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $23,439/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Billings — common questions

Is Newark or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Billings?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Billings?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $23,439/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Montana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Billings

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston