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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Salinas is 81% more expensive than Billings.

$1,923/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 43%
$89,150/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 19%
$610,900 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 49%
$1,912/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 38%
161,993
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $17,295/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas vs Billings — common questions

Is Salinas or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Billings?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Billings?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $17,295/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Billings details →

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