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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Simi Valley is 133% more expensive than Billings.

$2,513/mo ↑ 129%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 56%
$117,703/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 39%
$753,500 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 59%
$2,576/mo ↑ 119%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 54%
125,769
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,416/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $16,992/year.

Median household income is $45,848/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Billings — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Billings?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,416/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Billings?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $45,848/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/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 Simi Valley details → View Billings details →

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