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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Glendale is 149% more expensive than Billings.

$2,095/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 48%
$84,262/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 15%
$1,043,900 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 70%
$2,212/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 47%
192,270
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $998/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $11,976/year.

Median household income is $12,407/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Billings — common questions

Is Glendale or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Billings?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $998/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Billings?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,407/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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