City vs city
Billings, MT vs Lakeland, FL
- Rent is 23% lower in Billings (median $1,138/mo vs $1,395/mo in Lakeland).
- Homes cost 38% less in Lakeland ($249k vs $343k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $17 more a month after taxes and rent in Billings.
- Lakeland has no state income tax on wages; Billings does.
- Schools rate higher in Billings (6.2/10 vs 3.9/10).
- Lakeland has less violent crime (3.7 vs 7.7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Lakeland has milder winters (62°F vs 27°F average).
- Lakeland gets more sun (233 vs 200 sunny days a year).
| Billings | Lakeland | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,138/mo | $1,395/mo |
| Median home value | $343k | $249k |
| Median household income | $74k | $64k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,755 | $3,738 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 6.2/10 | 3.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.1× the US rate | about the US rate |
| Summer average | 87°F | 92°F |
| Winter average | 27°F | 62°F |
| Sunny days a year | 200 | 233 |
| Walk score | 40 | 52 |
| Population | 119,434 | 119,961 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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