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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Stockton is 34% more expensive than Billings.

$1,495/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 27%
$76,851/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 7%
$412,900 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 24%
$1,555/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
320,470
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $4,996/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Billings — common questions

Is Stockton or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Billings?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Billings?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $4,996/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Billings details →

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