Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Billings, MT (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Salt Lake City is 36% more expensive than Billings.

$1,343/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 18%
$74,925/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 4%
$495,700 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 37%
$1,394/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 16%
203,888
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $3,070/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Billings — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Billings?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Billings?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $3,070/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Montana?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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