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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Long Beach is 97% more expensive than Billings.

$1,803/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 39%
$83,969/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 14%
$762,200 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 59%
$1,890/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 38%
458,491
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $706/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,472/year.

Median household income is $12,114/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Billings — common questions

Is Long 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Billings?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $706/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Billings?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12,114/year higher in Long 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 Long Beach or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Billings details →

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