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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Charleston is 49% more expensive than Billings.

$1,632/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 33%
$90,038/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 20%
$469,100 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 34%
$1,688/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 30%
152,014
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $18,183/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Billings — common questions

Is Charleston or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Billings?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Billings?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $18,183/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Montana?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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 Charleston details → View Billings details →

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