Uprootmap
San Diego vs Billings
San Diego and Billings
Photo: Ron Reiring / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Billings are under the US rate in this release, 4.7 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at San Diego to Billings
In 2022-2023, 46 households filed a move from San Diego to Billings (about 85 people, average adjusted gross income $62,087). 31 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,292 in San Diego and $1,101 in Billings. San Diego has a state tax on wages. Billings has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Billings is 91% of the national level for the same work, against 109% in San Diego.
Billings averages 212 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 17°F. San Diego is 266 sunny days, 78°F in July, 50°F in January. Commutes average 20 minutes in Billings and 27 in San Diego.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 46 households moved San Diego → Billings (about 85 people, average AGI $62,087). 31 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between San Diego and Billings changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 1,162 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $3,150–$5,900
- Container or pod
- $2,200–$4,150
- Rent a truck
- $1,250–$2,300
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Dig into Billings
Questions
Is Billings cheaper than San Diego after tax and rent?
Yes. Billings leaves about $1,570 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,292 in San Diego and $1,101 in Billings.
Does Billings have state income tax?
Billings is in Montana, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from San Diego to Billings?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.