📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Billings and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Billings vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Billings | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $67,028 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $368,950 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $176 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $874 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 73.0 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.3 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 469.8 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34.6% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
New York vs. Billings: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Let's cut to the chase. You're comparing two cities that are so different, they might as well be on different planets. On one side, you have New York City—the concrete jungle where dreams are made (and wallets are emptied). On the other, Billings, Montana—the "Magic City" of the Northern Plains, where the sky is big, and the pace is slow.
Choosing between these two isn't just about geography; it's a fundamental lifestyle decision. Are you chasing the electric energy of a global metropolis, or are you seeking breathing room, affordability, and a direct line to the great outdoors?
This isn't just a data dump. This is your guide to figuring out where you'll thrive. We'll break down the vibe, the dollars, the housing, and the daily grind to help you decide if your future is on Broadway or in the Big Sky Country.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Frenzy vs. Laid-Back Frontier
New York is a 24/7 adrenaline shot. It’s the city that never sleeps because it’s too busy making history. The culture is a relentless fusion of art, finance, food, and fashion. You can get from a Michelin-star dinner to a dive bar in Brooklyn in 20 minutes. The energy is palpable, the diversity is unmatched, and the opportunities for networking and career growth are on a global scale. This is a city for the ambitious, the extroverted, and those who believe that "hustle" is a lifestyle, not just a word.
Billings is the antithesis. It’s a city built on a rhythm dictated by the sun and the seasons. The vibe is rugged, friendly, and deeply connected to the outdoors. Life revolves around community events, weekend hikes in the nearby Beartooth Mountains, and enjoying a craft beer at a local brewery. There’s a palpable sense of space and a slower, more deliberate pace. Billings is for those who value work-life balance, straightforward interactions, and the peace that comes with wide-open horizons.
Who is each city for?
- New York is for: Career-driven professionals, artists, foodies, and anyone who thrives on anonymity and constant stimulation. If you get bored easily, this is your playground.
- Billings is for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking a tight-knit community, remote workers who want their paycheck to stretch further, and anyone looking to escape the relentless pace of coastal megacities.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You could earn the same salary in both cities, but your "purchasing power" will feel worlds apart. Let's talk real numbers.
Cost of Living Table
| Expense Category | New York, NY | Billings, MT | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $368,950 | Billings is 58% cheaper |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $874 | Billings is 64% cheaper |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 73.0 | NYC is over 2x more expensive |
| Median Income | $76,577 | $67,028 | NYC earns 14% more |
| State Income Tax | 4% - 10.9% (Progressive) | 1.0% - 6.75% (Flat) | MT is generally lower |
| Sales Tax | 8.875% | 0% (No state sales tax) | Billings wins significantly |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let's imagine you earn a $100,000 salary. Where does it feel like more?
- In New York: After federal, state, and city taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $65,000 - $70,000. Your rent for a 1BR apartment alone will consume $29,412 annually (over 45% of your take-home pay). After rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation, you're left with a tight budget. It's a high-stakes game of financial survival where every dollar is accounted for. The "sticker shock" is real.
- In Billings: On the same $100,000 salary, your take-home pay is closer to $75,000 - $80,000 (thanks to lower state taxes and no city tax). Your annual rent for a 1BR is just $10,488 (a mere 14% of your take-home). The rest is yours to save, invest, or spend on experiences. Your money buys you space, freedom, and a much higher quality of life on the day-to-day.
The Bottom Line: While New York offers higher potential salaries, Billings provides unbeatable bang for your buck. If financial breathing room is a priority, Billings isn't just a contender; it's the clear winner.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition
New York: The Ultimate Seller's Market
New York's housing market is a beast. With a median home price of $875,000, buying a home is a monumental financial undertaking reserved for high-earners or those with substantial generational wealth. The market is fiercely competitive, often requiring all-cash offers or bidding wars that drive prices even higher. For most, renting is the only viable option, but even that is a cutthroat market with high demand and low inventory. The barrier to entry is sky-high.
Billings: An Accessible Buyer's Market
In contrast, Billings is one of the more accessible markets in the West. The median home price of $368,950 is within reach for many middle-class families, especially with dual incomes. It's a more balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. Inventory is better, and while there's competition for desirable homes, it's not the frenzy seen in NYC. Renting is also a stable, affordable option for those not ready to commit.
The Verdict: If your dream is to own a home without being a millionaire, Billings is the pragmatic choice. New York's market is a high-stakes investment game, not a starter home scenario for most.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- New York: Commuting is a way of life. The subway is efficient but crowded, delays are common, and a 30-minute commute is considered short. Driving is a nightmare of traffic, expensive parking, and tolls. Your time is valuable, and a significant chunk of it is spent in transit.
- Billings: Traffic is virtually non-existent. A 15-minute commute is the norm. You can drive everywhere, parking is free and plentiful, and you'll rarely encounter a traffic jam. Your time is your own.
Weather
- New York: Four distinct, sometimes brutal seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold and snowy (with Nor'easters), and spring/fall are beautiful but fleeting. You need a full seasonal wardrobe and the resilience to handle both slushy streets and sweltering subway platforms.
- Billings: A high-desert climate with four distinct seasons, but less extreme humidity. Summers are warm and dry (90°F is common), winters are cold and snowy, but the sun often shines even in the cold. The weather is more predictable, but you'll need to be prepared for significant snowfall and temperature swings.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical and often misunderstood data point. Let's be honest with the statistics.
- New York: The violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100,000 people. While this is high for the U.S., it's heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. NYC has one of the world's largest police forces and is generally safe for a city of its size in its most populated areas, but awareness and caution are mandatory.
- Billings: The violent crime rate is 469.8 per 100,000 people. Statistically, this is higher than New York City. This can be surprising, but it's a reality in many mid-sized Western cities grappling with specific social and economic issues. While the overall feel may be safer due to smaller population and less density, the statistical risk is higher. It's crucial to research specific neighborhoods in both cities.
The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here's the final showdown.
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Career Opportunities | New York | Unmatched global network and industry hubs. |
| Affordability & Purchasing Power | Billings | Your money goes 2-3x further on housing and daily life. |
| Housing Accessibility | Billings | Homeownership is a realistic goal for the middle class. |
| Daily Commute & Traffic | Billings | Minimal traffic means more free time and less stress. |
| Outdoor Access & Natural Beauty | Billings | Direct access to mountains, rivers, and wide-open spaces. |
| Cultural & Entertainment Scene | New York | World-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and nightlife. |
| Overall Cost of Living | Billings | Drastically lower across all major categories. |
Final City Rankings:
- Winner for Families: Billings. The affordable housing, good schools, safe (feeling) community, and endless outdoor activities for kids make it a fantastic place to raise a family without the financial strain.
- Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York. If you're under 30, hungry for career growth, and crave a social life that never ends, no other city compares. The networking and experience are priceless.
- Winner for Retirees: Billings. Lower taxes, affordable cost of living, a slower pace, and access to nature are a retiree's dream. Your nest egg stretches much further here.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
New York: The Empire State of Mind
Pros:
- Unlimited Career Potential: Global headquarters for finance, media, tech, and the arts.
- World-Class Culture: Museums, Broadway, dining, and nightlife are unparalleled.
- Public Transit: You don't need a car (and shouldn't have one).
- Diversity: Every culture and cuisine on the planet is at your doorstep.
Cons:
- Extreme Cost of Living: Among the highest in the world.
- Brutal Competition: For jobs, apartments, and even a table at a restaurant.
- Stressful Pace: The "hustle" can lead to burnout.
- Crowds & Noise: Constant sensory overload isn't for everyone.
Billings: The Magic City
Pros:
- Financial Freedom: Low cost of living means less stress and more savings.
- Outdoor Paradise: Hiking, fishing, skiing, and hunting are minutes away.
- Community Feel: Friendly neighbors and a strong sense of local pride.
- Easy Living: Minimal traffic, simple logistics, and a slower, more manageable pace.
Cons:
- Limited Career Options: Fewer major employers and industries.
- Cultural & Nightlife Drought: No Broadway, major league sports, or diverse dining scene.
- Isolation: It's a long drive (or flight) to any other major city.
- Weather Extremes: Winters are long, cold, and snowy; summers can be hot and dry.
The Bottom Line
This choice is a mirror of your priorities. New York is a high-risk, high-reward investment in yourself and your career. It demands everything you have but offers experiences you can't find anywhere else on Earth.
Billings is a quality-of-life investment. It offers financial breathing room, space to breathe, and a direct connection to nature. It’s a place to build a life, not just a career.
Ask yourself: Are you chasing the spotlight, or are you seeking the horizon? Your answer will tell you everything you need to know.