Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Billings is 36% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,097/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 30%
$71,855/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 5%
$311,800 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 97%
$1,177/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 24%
118,321
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $3,477/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Billings or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $3,477/year higher in Billings.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View East Los Angeles details →

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