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

Orange

California
206
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Orange is 140% more expensive than Billings.

$2,252/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 51%
$116,945/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 39%
$900,700 ↑ 189%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 65%
$2,394/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 51%
138,723
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,155/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $13,860/year.

Median household income is $45,090/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Billings — common questions

Is Orange or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Billings?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,155/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Billings?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $45,090/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Billings

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston