Idaho vs Montana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,529
in Idaho
$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 | Idaho | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 100.3 | 94.4 | +6% |
| Groceries | 98.9 | 101.6 | -3% |
| Utilities | 73.0 | 81.5 | -10% |
| Transportation | 106.5 | 99.5 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 106.9 | 106.5 | 0% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.4 | 98.6 | +4% |
| Overall | 99.3 | 96.8 | +3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Idaho.
What things actually cost
| Item | Idaho | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $410,000 | +$10,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,322/mo | +$82 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.19/gal | +$0.22 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $96/mo | $12 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $12,778/yr | $3,148 |
Salary equivalent: Idaho → Montana
What a Idaho salary buys you in Montana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Idaho | Equivalent in Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,741 | +$1,259 |
| $75,000 | $73,112 | +$1,888 |
| $100,000 | $97,482 | +$2,518 |
| $150,000 | $146,224 | +$3,776 |
| $200,000 | $194,965 | +$5,035 |
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
Idaho is 3% more expensive than Montana overall. Idaho has an index of 99.3 vs 96.8 for Montana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Montana?
Montana is cheaper to live in. Idaho is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $410,000 in Montana.
Is Montana cheaper than Idaho?
Yes, Montana is 3% cheaper than Idaho overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Idaho more expensive than Montana?
Yes, Idaho is 3% 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 Idaho?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Idaho, you would need approximately $97,482 in Montana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.3 vs 96.8).
How do housing costs compare between Idaho and Montana?
Housing is cheaper in Montana. Median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $410,000 in Montana — a $10,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/mo vs $1,322/mo.
What costs more in Idaho vs Montana?
Utilities is 10% lower in Idaho (index 73 vs 81.5). Transportation is 7% higher in Idaho (index 106.5 vs 99.5). Housing is 6% higher in Idaho (index 100.3 vs 94.4).
Is gas cheaper in Idaho or Montana?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Idaho and $3.19/gallon in Montana — a $0.22 difference per gallon.
Idaho vs Montana cost of living — how do they compare?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 and Montana has 96.8 (national average = 100). Idaho is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Montana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Idaho vs Montana 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
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho vs Montana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Montana — 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.