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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Durham is 22% more expensive than Billings.

$1,412/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 22%
$79,234/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 9%
$355,300 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 12%
$1,434/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 18%
288,465
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $7,379/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Billings — common questions

Is Durham or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Billings?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Billings?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,379/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Billings details →

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