Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Billings is 8% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $68,692 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Billings sits at 93 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $310,000 in Billings, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,200 in Billings.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Billings scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Billings (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $55,438 in Billings. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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