Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Billings, MT (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida

119

Billings

Montana

West Palm Beach is 33% more expensive than Billings.

$1,709/mo ↑ 56%

Median Rent

$1,097/mo ↓ 36%

$69,261/yr ↓ 4%

Median Income

$71,855/yr ↑ 4%

$369,800 ↑ 19%

Home Value

$311,800 ↓ 16%

$1,667/mo ↑ 42%

Owner Costs

$1,177/mo ↓ 29%

119,508

Population

118,321

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

6.75%

6.0%

Sales Tax

0.86%

Property Tax

0.74%

Affordability

29.6%

rent-to-income

Affordability

18.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $2,594/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Billings — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or Billings cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 119 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Billings?

Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $612/month.

Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Billings?

Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $2,594/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 West Palm Beach or Billings?

It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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.