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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Los Angeles is 117% more expensive than Billings.

$1,879/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 42%
$80,366/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 11%
$879,500 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 65%
$2,055/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 43%
3,857,897
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $782/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,384/year.

Median household income is $8,511/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Billings — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Billings?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $782/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Billings?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $8,511/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Billings details →

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