Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Billings, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 8.8% cheaper than Billings, MT. This translates to saving $661 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Billings, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Billings, MT, you'd need approximately $142,066.869 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Billings, MT and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 18.0% cheaper than in Billings, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,171/month in Billings, MT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Billings, MT to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Billings, MT to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $661 per month, or $7933 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Billings, MT vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Billings, MT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boise, ID area

Current salary in Billings, MT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $661/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.1K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$661

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Billings, MT

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$365K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$263K

Billings, MT

The Treasure State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Billings, MT vs Columbus, OH

Category	Billings, MT	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,504/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $451less	18.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $132more	10.7%
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $95.42less	5.8%
🛒Groceries	$945/mo	$969/mo	↑ $24.33more	2.6%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$607/mo	↓ $14.59less	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$464/mo	↓ $4.81less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.0%

Billings, MT

$2,504

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$451

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.7%

Billings, MT

$1,234

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$132

📦Other

↓ 5.8%

Billings, MT

$1,652

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$95.42

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.6%

Billings, MT

$945

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$24.33

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.3%

Billings, MT

$622

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$14.59

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.0%

Billings, MT

$469

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$4.81

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Billings, MT has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$839

To$1,020

↑ $181

1 Bed

From$918

To$1,100

↑ $182

2 Bed

From$1,171

To$1,315

↑ $144

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,575

↓ $40.00

Billings, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,350/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,426

Monthly in Billings, MT

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$410

Difference

Home Values

Billings

Columbus

$365K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$319K - $524K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 28% less expensive than Billings

Calculate payment - Billings Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$428

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.4%

Rate difference

Billings, MT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Montana State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.1%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,618/month

$103.4K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Billings, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.