Moving from Columbia to Billings (2026)
Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 87 for Columbia (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Billings to match your Columbia lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbia | Equivalent in Billings |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,920 |
| $50K | $51,149 |
| $60K | $61,379 |
| $75K | $76,724 |
| $80K | $81,839 |
| $100K | $102,299 |
| $120K | $122,759 |
| $150K | $153,448 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbia vs Billings
| Expense | Columbia | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,316 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $361 | $369 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $152 | $148 |
| Internet | $60 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,485 | $2,489 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Billings cheaper than Columbia?
No. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 87 for Columbia (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Columbia to Billings?
On a $75K salary, moving from Columbia to Billings could save roughly $41/month on core expenses. That's ~$492/year.
What salary do I need in Billings to match my Columbia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbia, you'd need roughly $76,724/year in Billings. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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