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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Huntington Beach is 164% more expensive than Billings.

$2,424/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 55%
$119,885/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 40%
$1,047,300 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 70%
$2,436/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 52%
196,010
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,327/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $15,924/year.

Median household income is $48,030/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Billings — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Billings?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,327/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Billings?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $48,030/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Billings details →

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