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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Sunnyvale is 297% more expensive than Billings.

$3,065/mo ↑ 179%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 64%
$181,862/yr ↑ 153%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 60%
$1,816,600 ↑ 483%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 83%
$3,016/mo ↑ 156%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 61%
153,455
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,968/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $23,616/year.

Median household income is $110,007/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Billings — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Billings?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,968/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Billings?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $110,007/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Billings details →

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