Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Tampa is 31% more expensive than Billings.

$1,567/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 30%
$71,302/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$71,855/yr ≈ Same
$375,300 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 17%
$1,553/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
393,389
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $553/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Billings — common questions

Is Tampa or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Billings?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Billings?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $553/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Montana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Billings details →

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