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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Hayward is 133% more expensive than Billings.

$2,360/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 54%
$113,775/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 37%
$820,700 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 62%
$2,420/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 51%
159,201
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,263/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $15,156/year.

Median household income is $41,920/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Billings — common questions

Is Hayward or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Billings?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,263/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Billings?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $41,920/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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