Alaska vs Montana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$77,479
in Montana
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 | Alaska | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 94.4 | +31% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 101.6 | +23% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 81.5 | +92% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 99.5 | +21% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 106.5 | +31% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 98.6 | +24% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 96.8 | +31% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $410,000 | $70,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,322/mo | +$408 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $3.19/gal | +$0.76 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $96/mo | +$100 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $12,778/yr | +$8,165 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → Montana
What a Alaska salary buys you in Montana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $38,200 | +$11,800 |
| $75,000 | $57,301 | +$17,699 |
| $100,000 | $76,401 | +$23,599 |
| $150,000 | $114,601 | +$35,399 |
| $200,000 | $152,802 | +$47,198 |
Positive = your money goes further in Montana. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Alaska is 31% more expensive than Montana overall. Alaska has an index of 126.7 vs 96.8 for Montana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Montana?
Montana is cheaper to live in. Alaska is 31% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $410,000 in Montana.
Is Montana cheaper than Alaska?
Yes, Montana is 31% cheaper than Alaska overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Alaska more expensive than Montana?
Yes, Alaska is 31% more expensive than Montana based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Montana equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $76,401 in Montana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 96.8).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and Montana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Alaska. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $410,000 in Montana — a $70,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $1,322/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs Montana?
Utilities is 92% higher in Alaska (index 156.5 vs 81.5). Healthcare is 31% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 106.5). Housing is 31% higher in Alaska (index 123.6 vs 94.4).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or Montana?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $3.19/gallon in Montana — a $0.76 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs Montana cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and Montana has 96.8 (national average = 100). Alaska is 31% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Montana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. It funds government primarily through oil revenue. Montana has a progressive income tax with rates of 4.70% and 5.65% for 2026, and no state sales tax. Use the Alaska vs Montana paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Alaska and Montana?
Alaska has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. Montana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- Alaska Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs Montana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- Alaska Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alaska Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Montana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Alaska Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Montana Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- 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.