Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Philadelphia and Billings have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 17%
$60,698/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 18%
$232,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 34%
$1,233/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 5%
1,582,432
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $11,157/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Billings — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Billings?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Billings?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $11,157/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Montana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Billings

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston