Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Billings is 26% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $55,682 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bend has a housing index of 182 while Billings sits at 93 (national average = 100). The median home in Bend costs $580,000 compared to $310,000 in Billings, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Bend versus $1,200 in Billings.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Bend scores 106 while Billings scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Bend (106) are higher than Billings (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bend is $68,234 compared to $55,438 in Billings. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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