Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Billings is 12% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $66,216 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 Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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