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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Salem is 22% more expensive than Billings.

$1,323/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 17%
$71,900/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$71,855/yr ≈ Same
$382,400 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 18%
$1,440/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 18%
176,666
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $45/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Billings — common questions

Is Salem or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Billings?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Billings?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $45/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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