Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Billings is 14% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $64,474 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Billings sits at 93 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $310,000 in Billings, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,200 in Billings.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Billings scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Billings (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $55,438 in Billings. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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