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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Pasadena is 156% more expensive than Billings.

$2,218/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 51%
$103,778/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 31%
$1,045,000 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 70%
$2,340/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 50%
136,462
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,121/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $13,452/year.

Median household income is $31,923/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Billings — common questions

Is Pasadena or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Billings?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,121/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Billings?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $31,923/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Billings details →

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