Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Rochester is 4% more affordable than Billings. A $75,000 salary in Billings is equivalent to $71,939 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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