Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Billings is 26% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia 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: Montana salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Billings scores 99 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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