Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Billings is 11% more affordable than Chandler. A $75,000 salary in Chandler is equivalent to $66,818 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Chandler sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $450,000 in Chandler, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,650 in Chandler.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Chandler scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Chandler (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $88,234 in Chandler. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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