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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fullerton is 127% more expensive than Billings.

$2,124/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 48%
$104,219/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 31%
$859,600 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 64%
$2,251/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 48%
141,278
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,027/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $12,324/year.

Median household income is $32,364/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Billings — common questions

Is Fullerton or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Billings?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,027/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Billings?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $32,364/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Billings

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston