Iowa vs Montana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$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 | Iowa | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 94.4 | -18% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 101.6 | -5% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 81.5 | +8% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 99.5 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 106.5 | -10% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 98.6 | -4% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 96.8 | -7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $410,000 | $200,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,322/mo | $234 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.19/gal | $0.00 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $96/mo | $13 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $12,778/yr | $3,173 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → Montana
What a Iowa salary buys you in Montana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in Montana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,898 | $-3,898 |
| $75,000 | $80,846 | $-5,846 |
| $100,000 | $107,795 | $-7,795 |
| $150,000 | $161,693 | $-11,693 |
| $200,000 | $215,590 | $-15,590 |
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 7% more expensive than Iowa overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Montana?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Montana is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $410,000 in Montana.
Is Iowa cheaper than Montana?
Yes, Iowa is 7% 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 Iowa?
Yes, Montana is 7% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Montana equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $107,795 in Montana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 96.8).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and Montana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $410,000 in Montana — a $200,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,322/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs Montana?
Housing is 18% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 94.4). Healthcare is 10% lower in Iowa (index 95.9 vs 106.5). Utilities is 8% higher in Iowa (index 88 vs 81.5).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or Montana?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.19/gallon in Montana — a $0.00 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs Montana cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and Montana has 96.8 (national average = 100). Montana is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Montana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Iowa moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.80% in 2025, down from a multi-bracket system. Montana has a progressive income tax with rates of 4.70% and 5.65% for 2026, and no state sales tax. Use the Iowa 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 Iowa and Montana?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. 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
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs Montana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Montana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa 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.