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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Oakland is 127% more expensive than Billings.

$1,917/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 43%
$97,369/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 26%
$924,700 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 66%
$2,164/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 46%
438,072
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $25,514/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Billings — common questions

Is Oakland or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Billings?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Billings?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $25,514/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Billings details →

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