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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Elk Grove is 95% more expensive than Billings.

$2,180/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 50%
$122,229/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 41%
$603,400 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 48%
$2,227/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 47%
177,221
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,083/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $12,996/year.

Median household income is $50,374/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Billings — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Billings?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,083/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Billings?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $50,374/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Montana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Billings

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston