Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Billings is 14% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $64,474 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 Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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