Montana vs North Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$76,609
in North Carolina
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Montana | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 94.0 | 0% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 99.0 | +3% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 94.7 | -14% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 92.2 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 110.2 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 101.4 | -3% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 97.9 | -1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $325,000 | +$85,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,316/mo | +$6 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.29/gal | $0.10 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $103/mo | $7 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $11,720/yr | +$1,058 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → North Carolina
What a Montana salary buys you in North Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,568 | $-568 |
| $75,000 | $75,852 | $-852 |
| $100,000 | $101,136 | $-1,136 |
| $150,000 | $151,705 | $-1,705 |
| $200,000 | $202,273 | $-2,273 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Montana and North Carolina have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 96.8 and 97.9 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or North Carolina?
Montana and North Carolina have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Montana cheaper than North Carolina?
Montana and North Carolina cost roughly the same to live in.
Is North Carolina more expensive than Montana?
Montana and North Carolina have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in North Carolina equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $101,136 in North Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 97.9).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and North Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Carolina. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $325,000 in North Carolina — a $85,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,316/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs North Carolina?
Utilities is 14% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 94.7). Transportation is 8% higher in Montana (index 99.5 vs 92.2). Healthcare is 3% lower in Montana (index 106.5 vs 110.2).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or North Carolina?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.29/gallon in North Carolina — a $0.10 difference per gallon.
Montana vs North Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and North Carolina has 97.9 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and North Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Montana vs North Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs North Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.