Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Billings, MT (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Syracuse is 31% cheaper than Billings.

$998/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 10%
$45,845/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 57%
$125,100 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 149%
$980/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 20%
146,211
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $26,010/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Billings — common questions

Is Syracuse or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Billings?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Billings?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $26,010/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between New York and Montana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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 Syracuse details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston