Moving from San Francisco to Billings (2026)
Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 54% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Billings to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 54% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Billings |
|---|---|
| $40K | $18,351 |
| $50K | $22,938 |
| $60K | $27,526 |
| $75K | $34,407 |
| $80K | $36,701 |
| $100K | $45,876 |
| $120K | $55,052 |
| $150K | $68,814 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Billings
| Expense | San Francisco | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,316 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $448 | $369 |
| Transport | $100 | $42 |
| Utilities | $160 | $148 |
| Internet | $70 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $2,489 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Billings cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 54% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Billings?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Billings could save roughly $2,551/month on core expenses. That's ~$30,612/year.
What salary do I need in Billings to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $34,407/year in Billings. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only