Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Billings is 23% more affordable than Anchorage. A $75,000 salary in Anchorage is equivalent to $57,874 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alaska salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Anchorage has a housing index of 142 while Billings sits at 93 (national average = 100). The median home in Anchorage costs $340,000 compared to $310,000 in Billings, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Anchorage versus $1,200 in Billings.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Anchorage scores 120 while Billings scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Anchorage (128) are higher than Billings (102).
Median household income in Anchorage is $72,515 compared to $55,438 in Billings. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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