Montana vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 79.4 | +19% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 95.3 | +7% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 102.9 | -21% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 92.9 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 96.8 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 95.2 | +4% |
| 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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $295,000 | +$115,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,112/mo | +$210 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.02 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $87/mo | +$9 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $10,706/yr | +$2,072 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → Texas
What a Montana salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in Texas | 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 Texas. 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 Texas overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Texas?
Texas 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 $295,000 in Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than Montana?
Yes, Texas 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 Texas?
Yes, Montana is 6% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas 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 Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $295,000 in Texas — a $115,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs Texas?
Utilities is 21% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 102.9). Housing is 19% higher in Montana (index 94.4 vs 79.4). Healthcare is 10% higher in Montana (index 106.5 vs 96.8).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or Texas?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.02 difference per gallon.
Montana vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and Texas 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 Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Montana vs Texas 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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.