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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Temecula

California
179

Billings is 52% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,097/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 109%
$71,855/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 64%
$311,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 105%
$1,177/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 107%
118,321
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,200/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $14,400/year.

Median household income is $45,985/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Temecula — common questions

Is Billings or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Temecula?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,200/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Temecula?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $45,985/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Temecula details →

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