Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Billings, MT (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Portland is 60% more expensive than Billings.

$1,596/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 31%
$88,792/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 19%
$557,600 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 44%
$1,771/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 34%
642,715
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $16,937/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Billings — common questions

Is Portland or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Billings?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Billings?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $16,937/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Montana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Billings details →

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