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Moving from Montana to North Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

NC state flag
Moving to

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

North Carolina has an overall price level 94.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
North Carolina
94.3
Housing index
Montana
84.6
North Carolina
81.4
North Carolina has 3.9% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Montana
98.7
North Carolina
96.6
North Carolina has 2.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
North Carolina
99.1
Electricity rate
Montana
13.9 ¢/kWh
North Carolina
16.3 ¢/kWh
North Carolina has 17% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
North Carolina
98.9
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
North Carolina
$333,000
North Carolina is 22% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$1,177/mo
North Carolina
$1,338/mo
North Carolina is 14% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
North Carolina
88°F
North Carolina is 6.0% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
North Carolina
30°F
North Carolina is 114% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
North Carolina
59°F
North Carolina is 34% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
North Carolina
213
North Carolina has 3.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
North Carolina
50 in
North Carolina is 226% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
North Carolina
54
North Carolina has 29% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Montana
17
North Carolina
0
North Carolina has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
North Carolina
6 in
North Carolina is 88% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaNorth Carolina report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina than Montana?

North Carolina's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Montana tops out at 5.65% income tax. North Carolina tops out at 3.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Carolina?

Most North Carolina residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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