Moving from Billings to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 89 for Billings (100 = US average). You'd pay about 7% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$116/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8983
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,100
per month
State tax
6.8%5.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,316$4,397
per month
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Billings lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Billings | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,303 |
| $50K | $46,629 |
| $60K | $55,955 |
| $75K | $69,944 |
| $80K | $74,607 |
| $100K | $93,258 |
| $120K | $111,910 |
| $150K | $139,888 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Billings vs Columbus
| Expense | Billings | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,316 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $369 | $353 |
| Transport | $42 | $40 |
| Utilities | $148 | $160 |
| Internet | $68 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,489 | $2,686 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Billings?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 89 for Billings (100 = US average). That's about 7% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Billings to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Billings to Columbus could save roughly $116/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,392/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Billings lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Billings, you'd need roughly $69,944/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbus to BillingsBillings vs Columbus — full comparisonBillings cost of livingColumbus 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