Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Billings is 12% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $65,625 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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