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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Thousand Oaks is 163% more expensive than Billings.

$2,580/mo ↑ 135%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 57%
$134,367/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 47%
$951,200 ↑ 205%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 67%
$2,726/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 57%
125,676
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,483/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $17,796/year.

Median household income is $62,512/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Billings — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Billings?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1,483/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Billings?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $62,512/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/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 Thousand Oaks details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Billings

Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston