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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Santa Clara is 257% more expensive than Billings.

$2,985/mo ↑ 172%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 63%
$173,670/yr ↑ 142%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 59%
$1,527,900 ↑ 390%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 80%
$3,051/mo ↑ 159%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 61%
129,239
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,888/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $22,656/year.

Median household income is $101,815/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Billings — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Billings?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,888/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Billings?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $101,815/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Billings details →

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