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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Billings is 66% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,097/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 144%
$71,855/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 94%
$311,800 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 271%
$1,177/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 138%
118,321
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,581/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $18,972/year.

Median household income is $67,471/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Billings or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,581/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $67,471/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Montana and California?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Carlsbad details →

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