Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Billings, MT (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Washington is 99% more expensive than Billings.

$1,900/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 42%
$106,287/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 32%
$724,600 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 57%
$2,103/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 44%
672,079
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $34,432/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Billings — common questions

Is Washington or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Billings?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Billings?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $34,432/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Montana?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Billings details →

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