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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Bakersfield is 21% more expensive than Billings.

$1,371/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 20%
$77,397/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 7%
$347,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 10%
$1,540/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
408,366
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $5,542/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Billings — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Billings?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Billings?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,542/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Billings details →

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