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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fairfield is 94% more expensive than Billings.

$2,191/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 50%
$102,321/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 30%
$592,500 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 47%
$2,226/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 47%
119,985
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,094/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $13,128/year.

Median household income is $30,466/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Billings — common questions

Is Fairfield or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Billings?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,094/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Billings?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $30,466/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Billings

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