Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Worcester is 21% more expensive than Billings.

$1,415/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 22%
$67,544/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 6%
$339,500 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 8%
$1,521/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 23%
205,501
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $4,311/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Billings — common questions

Is Worcester or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Billings?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Billings?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $4,311/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Montana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Billings

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston