Moving from Phoenix to Billings (2026)

Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$31/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
100 โ†’ 89
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500 โ†’ $1,200
per month
State tax
2.5% โ†’ 6.8%
income tax
COL difference
100 โ†’ 89
11% cheaper

Salary needed in Billings to match your Phoenix lifestyle

Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in PhoenixEquivalent in Billings
$40K$35,600
$50K$44,500
$60K$53,400
$75K$66,750
$80K$71,200
$100K$89,000
$120K$106,800
$150K$133,500

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$376/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpensePhoenixBillings
Monthly take-home$4,584$4,316
1BR rent$1,500$1,200
Groceries$369$369
Transport$64$42
Utilities$210$148
Internet$60$68
Left after essentials$2,381$2,489

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $376 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$458,709

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

$376/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Billings cheaper than Phoenix?

Yes. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Phoenix to Billings?

On a $75K salary, moving from Phoenix to Billings saves roughly $31/month on core expenses. That's ~$372/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Phoenix, you'd need roughly $66,750/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