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

Visalia

California
104
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Visalia is 21% more expensive than Billings.

$1,397/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 21%
$79,952/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 10%
$340,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 8%
$1,509/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 22%
142,649
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Visalia, CA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $8,097/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Visalia is $340,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Visalia vs Billings — common questions

Is Visalia or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Visalia and Billings?
Median rent in Visalia is $1,397/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Visalia or Billings?
Median household income is $79,952 in Visalia and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $8,097/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Visalia has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,397/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 Visalia details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Visalia and Billings

Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston