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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Tempe is 40% more expensive than Billings.

$1,623/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 32%
$77,643/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 7%
$421,900 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 26%
$1,554/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
186,419
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $526/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,312/year.

Median household income is $5,788/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Billings — common questions

Is Tempe or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Billings?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $526/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Billings?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,788/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Billings details →

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