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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Downey

California
169

Billings is 49% cheaper than Downey.

$1,097/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 72%
$71,855/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 22%
$311,800 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 134%
$1,177/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 70%
118,321
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $795/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,540/year.

Median household income is $15,545/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Downey — common questions

Is Billings or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Downey?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $795/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Downey?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $15,545/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Downey details →

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