Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Norfolk is 3% more expensive than Billings.

$1,246/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 12%
$64,017/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
$271,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 15%
$1,366/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 14%
235,037
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $7,838/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Billings — common questions

Is Norfolk or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Billings?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Billings?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,838/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Montana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Billings details →

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