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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Richmond

California
161

Billings is 47% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,097/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 73%
$71,855/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 25%
$311,800 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 108%
$1,177/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 71%
118,321
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $18,183/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Richmond — common questions

Is Billings or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Richmond?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Richmond?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $18,183/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Richmond details →

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