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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Lancaster is 44% more expensive than Billings.

$1,696/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 35%
$76,083/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 6%
$409,100 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 24%
$1,746/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 33%
170,013
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $4,228/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Billings — common questions

Is Lancaster or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Billings?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Billings?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $4,228/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Billings

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston