Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Billings, MT (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Rochester is 8% more expensive than Billings.

$1,316/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 17%
$87,767/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 18%
$287,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 8%
$1,332/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 12%
121,638
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $15,912/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Billings — common questions

Is Rochester or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Billings?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Billings?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $15,912/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Montana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/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 Rochester details → View Billings details →

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