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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fontana is 70% more expensive than Billings.

$1,733/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 37%
$98,187/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 27%
$558,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 44%
$1,990/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 41%
211,921
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $26,332/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Billings — common questions

Is Fontana or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Billings?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Billings?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $26,332/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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