Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Billings is 8% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $69,340 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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