Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Billings is 6% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $70,673 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 · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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