Montana vs North Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$82,327
in North Dakota
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 | Montana | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 75.7 | +25% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 96.8 | +5% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 83.2 | -2% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 99.9 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 108.8 | -2% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 99.2 | -1% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 91.1 | +6% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $255,000 | +$155,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,060/mo | +$262 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.08/gal | +$0.11 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $70/mo | +$26 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $12,373/yr | +$405 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → North Dakota
What a Montana salary buys you in North Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,056 | +$2,944 |
| $75,000 | $70,584 | +$4,416 |
| $100,000 | $94,112 | +$5,888 |
| $150,000 | $141,167 | +$8,833 |
| $200,000 | $188,223 | +$11,777 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Dakota. 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 6% more expensive than North Dakota overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 91.1 for North Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or North Dakota?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Montana is 6% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $255,000 in North Dakota.
Is North Dakota cheaper than Montana?
Yes, North Dakota is 6% 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 North Dakota?
Yes, Montana is 6% more expensive than North Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Dakota equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $94,112 in North Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and North Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Dakota. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $255,000 in North Dakota — a $155,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,060/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs North Dakota?
Housing is 25% higher in Montana (index 94.4 vs 75.7). Groceries is 5% higher in Montana (index 101.6 vs 96.8). Healthcare is 2% lower in Montana (index 106.5 vs 108.8).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or North Dakota?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.08/gallon in North Dakota — a $0.11 difference per gallon.
Montana vs North Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and North Dakota has 91.1 (national average = 100). Montana is 6% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and North Dakota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Montana vs North Dakota 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
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Dakota — 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.