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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Wilmington is 14% more expensive than Billings.

$1,311/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 16%
$63,900/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 12%
$350,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 11%
$1,371/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 14%
118,578
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $7,955/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Billings — common questions

Is Wilmington or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Billings?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Billings?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $7,955/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 Wilmington or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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.
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