Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Phoenix is 27% more expensive than Billings.

$1,458/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 25%
$77,041/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 7%
$381,900 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 18%
$1,430/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 18%
1,624,832
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $5,186/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Billings — common questions

Is Phoenix or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Billings?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Billings?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,186/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Montana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Billings details →

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