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

Escondido

California
163
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Escondido is 90% more expensive than Billings.

$1,922/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 43%
$84,477/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 15%
$663,500 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 53%
$2,022/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 42%
149,913
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Escondido, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $12,622/year higher in Escondido. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Escondido is $663,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Escondido vs Billings — common questions

Is Escondido or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Escondido and Billings?
Median rent in Escondido is $1,922/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Escondido or Billings?
Median household income is $84,477 in Escondido and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,622/year higher in Escondido.
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 Escondido or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Escondido has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,922/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 Escondido details → View Billings details →

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