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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Charlotte is 26% more expensive than Billings.

$1,504/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 27%
$78,438/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 8%
$351,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 11%
$1,487/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 21%
886,283
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $6,583/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Billings — common questions

Is Charlotte or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Billings?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Billings?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $6,583/year higher in Charlotte.
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 Charlotte or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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