Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Billings, MT (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Billings

Montana
86

St. Paul is 6% more expensive than Billings.

$1,248/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 12%
$73,055/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 2%
$280,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 11%
$1,390/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 15%
307,762
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $1,200/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Billings — common questions

Is St. Paul or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Billings?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Billings?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $1,200/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Billings

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston