Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Berkeley is 192% more expensive than Billings.

$2,127/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 48%
$108,558/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 34%
$1,351,100 ↑ 333%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 77%
$2,340/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 50%
120,223
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,030/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $12,360/year.

Median household income is $36,703/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Billings — common questions

Is Berkeley or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Billings?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,030/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Billings?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $36,703/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Montana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Billings details →

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