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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Sacramento is 53% more expensive than Billings.

$1,694/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 35%
$83,753/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 14%
$484,600 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 36%
$1,752/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 33%
524,802
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $11,898/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Billings — common questions

Is Sacramento or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Billings?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Billings?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $11,898/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Billings details →

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