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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Torrance is 153% more expensive than Billings.

$2,214/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 50%
$113,105/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 36%
$1,036,600 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 70%
$2,295/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 49%
143,499
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,117/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $13,404/year.

Median household income is $41,250/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Billings — common questions

Is Torrance or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Billings?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,117/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Billings?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $41,250/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Billings

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston