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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Billings

Montana
86

San Jose is 195% more expensive than Billings.

$2,617/mo ↑ 139%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 58%
$141,565/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 49%
$1,187,800 ↑ 281%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 74%
$2,775/mo ↑ 136%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 58%
990,054
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,520/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $18,240/year.

Median household income is $69,710/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Billings — common questions

Is San Jose or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Billings?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,520/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Billings?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $69,710/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Billings details →

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