Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Billings, MT (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Cary is 57% more expensive than Billings.

$1,621/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 32%
$129,399/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 44%
$525,200 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 41%
$1,744/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 33%
176,686
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $57,544/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Billings — common questions

Is Cary or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Billings?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Billings?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $57,544/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Montana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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