Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Billings, MT (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Providence is 15% more expensive than Billings.

$1,333/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 18%
$66,772/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 8%
$322,800 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 3%
$1,467/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 20%
190,214
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $5,083/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Billings — common questions

Is Providence or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Billings?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Billings?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,083/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Montana?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Billings details →

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