Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Great Falls, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 6.4% more expensive than Great Falls, MT. This translates to spending an extra $482 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Great Falls, MT, you'd need approximately $155,784.23 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 23.6% more expensive than in Great Falls, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,052/month in Great Falls, MT.

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

Living in Charlotte, NC costs approximately $482 more per month than Great Falls, MT, or $5784 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Great Falls, MT vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Great Falls, MT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Great Falls, MT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $482/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.8K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$482

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Great Falls, MT

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$317K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$399K

Great Falls, MT

The Treasure State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 60K 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: Great Falls, MT vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Great Falls, MT	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,822/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $620less	34.0%
🏠Housing	$1,997/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $472more	23.6%
📦Other	$1,478/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $230more	15.6%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$638/mo	↓ $169less	20.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$989/mo	↓ $67.79less	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$519/mo	↑ $48.11more	10.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 34.0%

Great Falls, MT

$1,822

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$620

less

🏠Housing

↑ 23.6%

Great Falls, MT

$1,997

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$472

📦Other

↑ 15.6%

Great Falls, MT

$1,478

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$230

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.9%

Great Falls, MT

$807

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$169

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Great Falls, MT

$1,057

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$67.79

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.2%

Great Falls, MT

$471

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$48.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$783

To$1,630

↑ $847

1 Bed

From$799

To$1,710

↑ $911

2 Bed

From$1,052

To$1,870

↑ $818

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,300

↑ $840

Great Falls, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,090/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.

$7,631

Monthly in Great Falls, MT

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$107

Difference

Home Values

Great Falls

Charlotte

$317K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +4.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +59%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$279K - $380K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 26% more expensive than Great Falls

Calculate payment - Great Falls 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

Great Falls, 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

Great Falls, 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.