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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Chula Vista is 107% more expensive than Billings.

$2,122/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 48%
$105,173/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 32%
$697,400 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 55%
$2,342/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 50%
275,030
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,025/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $12,300/year.

Median household income is $33,318/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Billings — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Billings?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,025/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Billings?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $33,318/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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