Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Billings, MT (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Thornton is 60% more expensive than Billings.

$1,810/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 39%
$100,985/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 29%
$482,200 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 35%
$1,914/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 39%
142,878
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $29,130/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Billings — common questions

Is Thornton or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Billings?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Billings?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $29,130/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Montana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/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 Thornton details → View Billings details →

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