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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Billings

Montana
86

San Bernardino is 27% more expensive than Billings.

$1,433/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 23%
$63,988/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
$384,900 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 19%
$1,478/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 20%
221,774
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $7,867/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Billings — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Billings?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Billings?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,867/year higher in Billings.
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 San Bernardino or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Billings details →

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