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

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Vallejo is 80% more expensive than Billings.

$2,013/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 46%
$89,496/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 20%
$557,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 44%
$2,058/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 43%
124,637
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $916/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $10,992/year.

Median household income is $17,641/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Billings — common questions

Is Vallejo or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Billings?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $916/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Billings?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $17,641/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Billings details →

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