Illinois vs Montana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$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 | Illinois | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 94.4 | -11% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 101.6 | -2% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 81.5 | +21% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 99.5 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 106.5 | -2% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 98.6 | 0% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 96.8 | -2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $410,000 | $150,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,322/mo | $142 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $3.19/gal | +$0.41 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $96/mo | +$12 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $12,778/yr | +$3,329 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → Montana
What a Illinois salary buys you in Montana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,947 | $-947 |
| $75,000 | $76,421 | $-1,421 |
| $100,000 | $101,895 | $-1,895 |
| $150,000 | $152,842 | $-2,842 |
| $200,000 | $203,789 | $-3,789 |
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
Montana is 2% more expensive than Illinois overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 95 for Illinois (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Montana?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Montana is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $410,000 in Montana.
Is Illinois cheaper than Montana?
Yes, Illinois is 2% cheaper than Montana overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Montana more expensive than Illinois?
Yes, Montana is 2% more expensive than Illinois based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Montana equals $100,000 in Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $101,895 in Montana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 96.8).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and Montana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $410,000 in Montana — a $150,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,322/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs Montana?
Utilities is 21% higher in Illinois (index 99 vs 81.5). Housing is 11% lower in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 94.4). Healthcare is 2% lower in Illinois (index 104.1 vs 106.5).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or Montana?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $3.19/gallon in Montana — a $0.41 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs Montana cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and Montana has 96.8 (national average = 100). Montana is 2% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Montana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois 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
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs Montana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — 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.