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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Modesto is 40% more expensive than Billings.

$1,609/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 32%
$77,899/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 8%
$415,600 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 25%
$1,613/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 27%
218,614
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $6,044/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Billings — common questions

Is Modesto or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Billings?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Billings?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $6,044/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston