Phoenix vs Billings

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Montana salaries

Living in Phoenix vs Billings

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Billings sits at 93 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $310,000 in Billings, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,200 in Billings.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Billings scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Billings (102). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $55,438 in Billings. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.

Relocating: Phoenix vs Billings

If you are considering a move between Phoenix (index: 100) and Billings (index: 98), the 2% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Billings is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Phoenix can afford $1,341/month, while the median household in Billings can afford $1,294/month. With median homes at $350,000 in Phoenix versus $310,000 in Billings, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,400/month in Phoenix and $1,200/month in Billings, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Billings where costs are 2% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Phoenix (100) vs Billings (98)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Phoenix at 100 is 0% below the US average, while Billings at 98 is 2% below average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

Phoenix and Billings land within 2 points of each other on the composite index (100 vs 98), so the overall cost picture is similar. Housing shows the widest single-category margin at 102 versus 93, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Phoenix and Billings. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Billings with indices of 93 versus 102. Median home prices of $350,000 in Phoenix and $310,000 in Billings underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Phoenix has an edge in healthcare, while Billings is more affordable for housing and utilities. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,400/month in Phoenix and $1,200/month in Billings, the annual rent difference is approximately $2,400. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $12,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $40,000 difference in median home prices between Phoenix and Billings translates to roughly $2,400 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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