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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fresno is 17% more expensive than Billings.

$1,324/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 17%
$66,804/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 8%
$348,500 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 11%
$1,391/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 15%
543,615
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $5,051/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Billings — common questions

Is Fresno or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Billings?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Billings?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,051/year higher in Billings.
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 Fresno or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Billings details →

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