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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Tacoma is 47% more expensive than Billings.

$1,597/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 31%
$83,857/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 14%
$454,600 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 31%
$1,747/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 33%
220,482
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $12,002/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Billings — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Billings?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Billings?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,002/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Billings details →

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