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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $760/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 10.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$760
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$9.1K
Per year

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

Helena, MT

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$466K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:110
Median Home:$512K

Helena, MT

The Treasure State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Research Triangle
  • •State capital
  • •Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Helena, MT vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 27.9%
Helena, MT
$1,930
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$539
more
🚗Transportation
↓ 27.1%
Helena, MT
$1,760
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$476
less
📦Other
↑ 19.6%
Helena, MT
$1,428
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$280
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 24.3%
Helena, MT
$793
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$192
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 18.0%
Helena, MT
$463
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$83.42
more
🛒Groceries
↓ 7.7%
Helena, MT
$1,039
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$79.85
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,001
To$1,570
↑ $569
1 Bed
From$1,158
To$1,640
↑ $482
2 Bed
From$1,450
To$1,800
↑ $350
3 Bed
From$1,982
To$2,255
↑ $273
Helena, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,630/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,414
Monthly in Helena, MT
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$153
Difference

Home Values

Helena
Raleigh
$466K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +2.5%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +46.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$422K - $509K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 10% more expensive than Helena

Calculate payment - HelenaCalculate payment - Raleigh

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

Helena, 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

Raleigh, 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

Helena, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%
Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, 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.

Environment

Helena
Raleigh
38 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
76.5%
Good Air Days
61.7%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Montana and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Helena, MT on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $91.74/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $91.74/mo

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TXDenver, CONashville, TN

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