Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Plano is 53% more expensive than Billings.

$1,792/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 39%
$108,649/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 34%
$440,600 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 29%
$1,829/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 36%
287,339
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $36,794/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Billings — common questions

Is Plano or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Billings?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Billings?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $36,794/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Billings details →

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