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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Surprise is 47% more expensive than Billings.

$1,917/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 43%
$93,371/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 23%
$396,000 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 21%
$1,587/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 26%
149,519
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $21,516/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Billings — common questions

Is Surprise or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Billings?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Billings?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $21,516/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Billings

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston