Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Billings is 23% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $57,422 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) match Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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