Montana vs Ohio Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$79,281
in Ohio
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 | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 87.6 | +8% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 99.4 | +2% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 98.3 | -17% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 97.6 | +2% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 97.0 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 96.7 | +2% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 94.6 | +2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $220,000 | +$190,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,226/mo | +$96 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.44/gal | $0.25 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $100/mo | $4 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $17,071/yr | $4,293 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → Ohio
What a Montana salary buys you in Ohio, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,864 | +$1,136 |
| $75,000 | $73,295 | +$1,705 |
| $100,000 | $97,727 | +$2,273 |
| $150,000 | $146,591 | +$3,409 |
| $200,000 | $195,455 | +$4,545 |
Positive = your money goes further in Ohio. 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 Ohio overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 94.6 for Ohio (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Ohio?
Ohio is cheaper to live in. Montana is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $220,000 in Ohio.
Is Ohio cheaper than Montana?
Yes, Ohio 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 Ohio?
Yes, Montana is 2% more expensive than Ohio based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Ohio equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $97,727 in Ohio. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and Ohio?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Ohio. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $220,000 in Ohio — a $190,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,226/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs Ohio?
Utilities is 17% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 98.3). Healthcare is 10% higher in Montana (index 106.5 vs 97). Housing is 8% higher in Montana (index 94.4 vs 87.6).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or Ohio?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.44/gallon in Ohio — a $0.25 difference per gallon.
Montana vs Ohio cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and Ohio has 94.6 (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 Montana and Ohio?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Montana has a progressive income tax with rates of 4.70% and 5.65% for 2026, and no state sales tax. Ohio moved to a flat 2.75% income tax in 2026 on income over $26,050, down from a progressive system. Many Ohio cities also levy local income taxes — Columbus charges 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%, and Cincinnati 1.8%. These local taxes are not withheld automatically by out-of-city employers, so you may owe them separately. Use the Montana vs Ohio 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 Montana and Ohio?
Montana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Ohio 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
- Montana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Ohio Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs Ohio Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Ohio — How much house can you afford?
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Ohio Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Montana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Ohio Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Montana Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Ohio 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.