Is Denver, CO cheaper than Billings, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 11.4% more expensive than Billings, MT. This translates to spending an extra $859 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Billings, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Billings, MT, you'd need approximately $160,303.951 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Billings, MT and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 29.7% more expensive than in Billings, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,171/month in Billings, MT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Billings, MT to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $859 more per month than Billings, MT, or $10304 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Billings, MT vs Denver, CO: 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 spend $859/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$859

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.3K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$513K

Billings, MT

The Treasure State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Billings, MT vs Denver, CO

Category	Billings, MT	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,504/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $744more	29.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $228more	18.5%
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $122more	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$945/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $84.28more	8.9%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$519/mo	↑ $49.83more	10.6%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$632/mo	↑ $10.19more	1.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 29.7%

Billings, MT

$2,504

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$744

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.5%

Billings, MT

$1,234

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$228

📦Other

↑ 7.4%

Billings, MT

$1,652

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$122

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.9%

Billings, MT

$945

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$84.28

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.6%

Billings, MT

$469

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$49.83

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.6%

Billings, MT

$622

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$10.19

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $881

1 Bed

From$918

To$1,840

↑ $922

2 Bed

From$1,171

To$2,190

↑ $1,019

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$2,870

↑ $1,255

Billings, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,350/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,238

Difference

Home Values

Billings

Denver

$365K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$319K - $524K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 40% more expensive than Billings

Calculate payment - Billings Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$247

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Billings, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.