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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Raleigh is 28% more expensive than Billings.

$1,468/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 25%
$82,424/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 13%
$377,800 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 17%
$1,487/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 21%
470,763
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 Raleigh, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $10,569/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Billings — common questions

Is Raleigh or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Billings?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Billings?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $10,569/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Raleigh or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Billings details →

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