Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Scottsdale is 92% more expensive than Billings.

$1,910/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 43%
$107,372/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 33%
$709,900 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 56%
$1,824/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 35%
242,169
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $35,517/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Billings — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Billings?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Billings?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $35,517/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Montana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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