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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Billings is 51% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,097/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 112%
$71,855/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 53%
$311,800 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 95%
$1,177/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 102%
118,321
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,233/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $14,796/year.

Median household income is $37,925/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Billings or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Murrieta?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,233/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Murrieta?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $37,925/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Murrieta details →

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