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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Billings

Montana
86

San Diego is 129% more expensive than Billings.

$2,223/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 51%
$104,321/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 31%
$848,500 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 63%
$2,308/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 49%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,126/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $13,512/year.

Median household income is $32,466/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Billings — common questions

Is San Diego or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Billings?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,126/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Billings?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $32,466/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Billings details →

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