Montana vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$80,906
in South Carolina
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 | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 80.6 | +17% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 99.0 | +3% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 96.9 | -16% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 96.4 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 94.2 | +13% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 98.2 | 0% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 92.7 | +4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $285,000 | +$125,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,128/mo | +$194 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.02 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $97/mo | $1 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $11,512/yr | +$1,266 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → South Carolina
What a Montana salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,882 | +$2,118 |
| $75,000 | $71,823 | +$3,177 |
| $100,000 | $95,764 | +$4,236 |
| $150,000 | $143,647 | +$6,353 |
| $200,000 | $191,529 | +$8,471 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Carolina. 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 4% more expensive than South Carolina overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 92.7 for South Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Montana is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina cheaper than Montana?
Yes, South Carolina is 4% 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 South Carolina?
Yes, Montana is 4% more expensive than South Carolina based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $95,764 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Carolina. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $125,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs South Carolina?
Utilities is 16% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 96.9). Housing is 17% higher in Montana (index 94.4 vs 80.6). Healthcare is 13% higher in Montana (index 106.5 vs 94.2).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.02 difference per gallon.
Montana vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). Montana is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and South Carolina?
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. South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.40% on income above $16,040. Use the Montana vs South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Montana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. South Carolina 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
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Montana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Carolina Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Montana Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- South Carolina 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.