Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Billings is 10% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $67,431 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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