Billings, MT vs Missoula, MT

Billings is moderately more affordable than Missoula, with a 11.2% lower cost of living index. Billings scores 90 compared to 102 for Missoula, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Missoula can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Billings is $1,097/month compared to $1,120/month in Missoula — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Billings is more affordable at $311,800 median vs $427,400.

Median household income in Billings is $71,855 compared to $65,329 in Missoula (+10%). Billings offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Billings spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.6% in Missoula.