Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Billings, MT (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Winston-Salem is 17% cheaper than Billings.

$1,033/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 6%
$57,673/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 25%
$208,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 50%
$1,040/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 13%
250,887
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $14,182/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Billings — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Billings?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Billings?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $14,182/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 Winston-Salem or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/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 Winston-Salem details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Billings

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston