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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Ontario is 77% more expensive than Billings.

$1,916/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 43%
$82,806/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 13%
$568,000 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 45%
$1,967/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 40%
178,347
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $819/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,828/year.

Median household income is $10,951/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Billings — common questions

Is Ontario or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Billings?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $819/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Billings?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $10,951/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Billings

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston