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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Pittsburgh is 12% cheaper than Billings.

$1,221/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 10%
$64,137/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
$193,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 61%
$1,136/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 4%
303,620
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $7,718/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Billings — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Billings?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Billings?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,718/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 Pittsburgh or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Billings details →

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