Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Billings, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 4.6% more expensive than Billings, MT. This translates to spending an extra $342 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Billings, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Billings, MT, you'd need approximately $154,103.343 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Billings, MT and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 11.3% more expensive than in Billings, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,171/month in Billings, MT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Billings, MT to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $342 more per month than Billings, MT, or $4103 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Billings, MT vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $342/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.1K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$342

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.1K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$414K

Billings, MT

The Treasure State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Billings, MT vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Billings, MT	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,504/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $284more	11.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $255more	20.7%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$561/mo	↑ $91.90more	19.6%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$589/mo	↓ $33.18less	5.3%
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $25.11more	1.5%
🛒Groceries	$945/mo	$963/mo	↑ $18.33more	1.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.3%

Billings, MT

$2,504

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$284

🚗Transportation

↑ 20.7%

Billings, MT

$1,234

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$255

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.6%

Billings, MT

$469

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$91.90

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.3%

Billings, MT

$622

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$33.18

less

📦Other

↑ 1.5%

Billings, MT

$1,652

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$25.11

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.9%

Billings, MT

$945

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$18.33

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$839

To$1,390

↑ $551

1 Bed

From$918

To$1,510

↑ $592

2 Bed

From$1,171

To$1,750

↑ $579

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$2,330

↑ $715

Billings, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,350/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$641

Difference

Home Values

Billings

Phoenix

$365K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$319K - $524K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 13% more expensive than Billings

Calculate payment - Billings Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$361

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Billings, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.