Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Billings

Montana

North Charleston

South Carolina

Billings is 5% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,097/mo ↓ 20%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↑ 24%

$71,855/yr ↑ 14%

Median Income

$62,789/yr ↓ 13%

$311,800 ↑ 16%

Home Value

$267,700 ↓ 14%

$1,177/mo ↓ 10%

Owner Costs

$1,312/mo ↑ 11%

118,321

Population

117,460

Tax Comparison

6.75%

Income Tax

6.4%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.74%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

18.3%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $9,066/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making North Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Billings or North Charleston cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 91 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Billings and North Charleston?

Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $267/month.

Which city has higher income, Billings or North Charleston?

Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,066/year higher in Billings.

How do taxes compare between Montana and South Carolina?

Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Billings or North Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.