Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Montana versus $1,349 in North Carolina. Overall, Montana runs roughly 34% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $80,431 in North Carolina — about 11% higher in North Carolina. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Montana vs North Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or North Carolina?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 34% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana than in North Carolina?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Montana versus $54,000 in North Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or North Carolina?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Montana/North Carolina — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.