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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Riverside is 67% more expensive than Billings.

$1,812/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 39%
$88,575/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 19%
$542,100 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 42%
$1,880/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 37%
316,241
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $16,720/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Billings — common questions

Is Riverside or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Billings?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Billings?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $16,720/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Billings details →

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