Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Billings, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 1.7% cheaper than Billings, MT. This translates to saving $129 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Billings, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Billings, MT, you'd need approximately $148,449.848 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Billings, MT and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 1.4% cheaper than in Billings, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,171/month in Billings, MT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Billings, MT to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Billings, MT to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $129 per month, or $1550 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Billings, MT vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Billings, MT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boise, ID area

Current salary in Billings, MT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $129/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$129

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Billings, MT

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$365K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$399K

Billings, MT

The Treasure State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major banking center
•NASCAR headquarters
•Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Billings, MT vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Billings, MT	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $55.24more	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$519/mo	↑ $49.83more	10.6%
🛒Groceries	$945/mo	$989/mo	↑ $44.31more	4.7%
🏠Housing	$2,504/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $35.66less	1.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $31.69less	2.6%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$638/mo	↑ $16.39more	2.6%

📦Other

↑ 3.3%

Billings, MT

$1,652

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$55.24

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.6%

Billings, MT

$469

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$49.83

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.7%

Billings, MT

$945

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$44.31

🏠Housing

↓ 1.4%

Billings, MT

$2,504

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$35.66

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.6%

Billings, MT

$1,234

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$31.69

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.6%

Billings, MT

$622

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$16.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$839

To$1,630

↑ $791

1 Bed

From$918

To$1,710

↑ $792

2 Bed

From$1,171

To$1,870

↑ $699

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$2,300

↑ $685

Billings, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,350/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,426

Monthly in Billings, MT

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$98.43

Difference

Home Values

Billings

Charlotte

$365K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$319K - $524K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 9% more expensive than Billings

Calculate payment - Billings Calculate payment - Charlotte

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$203

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

Rate difference

Billings, MT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Montana State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.1%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,618/month

$103.4K

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Billings, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.