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

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Ventura

California
183

Billings is 53% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,097/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 92%
$71,855/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 40%
$311,800 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 150%
$1,177/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 80%
118,321
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,004/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $12,048/year.

Median household income is $28,552/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Ventura — common questions

Is Billings or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Ventura?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,004/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Ventura?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $28,552/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between Montana and California?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Billings details → View Ventura details →

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