Moving from Lexington to Billings (2026)

Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 89 for Lexington (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$25 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
89 โ†’ 89
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,350 โ†’ $1,200
per month
State tax
4% โ†’ 6.8%
income tax
COL difference
89 โ†’ 89
0% more expensive

Salary needed in Billings to match your Lexington lifestyle

Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in LexingtonEquivalent in Billings
$40K$40,000
$50K$50,000
$60K$60,000
$75K$75,000
$80K$80,000
$100K$100,000
$120K$120,000
$150K$150,000

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$166/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Lexington vs Billings

ExpenseLexingtonBillings
Monthly take-home$4,491$4,316
1BR rent$1,350$1,200
Groceries$365$369
Transport$60$42
Utilities$158$148
Internet$60$68
Left after essentials$2,498$2,489

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $166 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$202,515

over 30 years compared to staying in Lexington โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$166/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Billings cheaper than Lexington?

No. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 89 for Lexington (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Lexington to Billings?

On a $75K salary, core expenses in Billings run about $25/month more than Lexington. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.

What salary do I need in Billings to match my Lexington lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lexington, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Billings. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only