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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Billings

Montana
86

San Francisco is 210% more expensive than Billings.

$2,419/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 55%
$141,446/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 49%
$1,380,500 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 77%
$2,620/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 55%
836,321
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,322/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $15,864/year.

Median household income is $69,591/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Billings — common questions

Is San Francisco or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Billings?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,322/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Billings?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $69,591/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Billings details →

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