Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Billings is 17% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $62,288 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 · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Billings scores 99 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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