Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Seattle is 128% more expensive than Billings.

$1,998/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 45%
$121,984/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 41%
$912,100 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 66%
$2,220/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 47%
741,440
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $901/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $10,812/year.

Median household income is $50,129/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Billings — common questions

Is Seattle or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Billings?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $901/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Billings?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $50,129/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Montana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Billings

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