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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Palmdale is 51% more expensive than Billings.

$1,736/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 37%
$81,151/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 11%
$435,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 28%
$1,831/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 36%
165,487
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $639/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,668/year.

Median household income is $9,296/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Billings — common questions

Is Palmdale or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Billings?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $639/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Billings?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $9,296/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Billings

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