Cost of living in Montana
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Montana are 5.4% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 94.6 (U.S. = 100), making it the #22 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Montana with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Montana prices
- 2.5% pricier
- Take-home in Montana at $75,000
- $58,716$4,893 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $60,212$5,018 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +2.3%+$1,380 a year in Montana buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Montana take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Montana with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Montana as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Montana? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Montana prices by category
| Category | Montana | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 94.6 | −5.4% |
| Goods | 96.0 | −4.0% |
| Housing (rent) | 84.6 | −15.4% |
| Utilities | 72.3 | −27.7% |
| Other services | 98.7 | −1.3% |
Low housing costs keep Montana affordable: rents run 15% below average. The overall price level rose 4.0% relative to the nation versus 2023 (91.0). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Montana, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,238 | $40,762 | $43,068 | $52,829 |
| $75,000 | $16,284 | $58,716 | $62,038 | $79,243 |
| $100,000 | $25,109 | $74,891 | $79,128 | $105,658 |
At $75,000, Montana ranks #23 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Montana paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Montana equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Montana. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Montana once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | +0.9% | $75,673 | $75,794 |
| Wyoming | −2.1% | $73,452 | $69,188 |
| South Dakota | −6.4% | $70,199 | $65,684 |
| North Dakota | −6.0% | $70,494 | $65,979 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −8.1% | $68,892 | $66,941 |
| Mississippi | −8.1% | $68,905 | $66,891 |
| Iowa | −7.3% | $69,546 | $67,564 |
| Oklahoma | −7.2% | $69,610 | $68,520 |
| California | +17.0% | $87,738 | $93,077 |
| Hawaii | +16.2% | $87,129 | $92,379 |
| Washington, DC | +16.1% | $87,089 | $91,310 |
| New Jersey | +15.0% | $86,221 | $89,161 |
| Texas | +2.5% | $76,911 | $73,038 |
| Florida | +9.3% | $81,949 | $78,644 |
| New York | +14.0% | $85,520 | $89,214 |
Moving from Montana to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Montana expensive to live in?
Montana has a price level of 94.6 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 5.4% below the national average. It ranks #22 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Montana?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $70,984 in Montana before taxes. After Montana taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,716 — worth $62,038 at U.S.-average prices, #23 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Montana?
Montana's housing price level is 84.6, meaning rents are 15.4% below the national average. Goods are 96.0 and utilities 72.3.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
South Dakota (price level 88.6, −6.4% vs Montana). A $75,000 Montana salary is equivalent to $65,684 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.