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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Irvine is 198% more expensive than Billings.

$2,893/mo ↑ 164%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 62%
$129,647/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 45%
$1,115,400 ↑ 258%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 72%
$2,904/mo ↑ 147%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 59%
308,160
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,796/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $21,552/year.

Median household income is $57,792/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Billings — common questions

Is Irvine or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Billings?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,796/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Billings?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $57,792/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Billings details →

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