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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fayetteville is 15% cheaper than Billings.

$1,179/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 7%
$56,395/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 27%
$171,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 81%
$1,156/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 2%
209,692
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $15,460/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Billings — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Billings?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Billings?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $15,460/year higher in Billings.
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 Fayetteville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View Billings details →

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