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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fremont is 223% more expensive than Billings.

$2,905/mo ↑ 165%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 62%
$176,350/yr ↑ 145%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 59%
$1,289,400 ↑ 314%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 76%
$3,000/mo ↑ 155%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 61%
228,518
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,808/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $21,696/year.

Median household income is $104,495/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Billings — common questions

Is Fremont or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Billings?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,808/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Billings?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $104,495/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Billings

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston