Moving from Billings to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 89 for Billings (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$49/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8987
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,150
per month
State tax
6.8%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,316$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Billings lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Billings | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,101 |
| $50K | $48,876 |
| $60K | $58,652 |
| $75K | $73,315 |
| $80K | $78,202 |
| $100K | $97,753 |
| $120K | $117,303 |
| $150K | $146,629 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Billings vs Bismarck
| Expense | Billings | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,316 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $369 | $369 |
| Transport | $42 | $42 |
| Utilities | $148 | $152 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,489 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Billings?
Yes. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 89 for Billings (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Billings to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Billings to Bismarck could save roughly $49/month on core expenses. That's ~$588/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Billings lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Billings, you'd need roughly $73,315/year in Bismarck. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Bismarck to BillingsBillings vs Bismarck — full comparisonBillings cost of livingBismarck cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only