Montana vs Utah Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$75,377
in Utah
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 | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 108.8 | -13% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 96.9 | +5% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 82.4 | -1% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 104.1 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 90.9 | +17% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 96.9 | +2% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 99.5 | -3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $480,000 | $70,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,523/mo | $201 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.40/gal | $0.21 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $88/mo | +$8 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $13,094/yr | $316 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → Utah
What a Montana salary buys you in Utah, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,395 | $-1,395 |
| $75,000 | $77,092 | $-2,092 |
| $100,000 | $102,789 | $-2,789 |
| $150,000 | $154,184 | $-4,184 |
| $200,000 | $205,579 | $-5,579 |
Positive = your money goes further in Utah. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Utah is 3% more expensive than Montana overall. Utah has an index of 99.5 vs 96.8 for Montana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Utah?
Montana is cheaper to live in. Utah is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $480,000 in Utah.
Is Montana cheaper than Utah?
Yes, Montana is 3% cheaper than Utah overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Utah more expensive than Montana?
Yes, Utah is 3% more expensive than Montana based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Utah equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $102,789 in Utah. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 99.5).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and Utah?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Montana. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $480,000 in Utah — a $70,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,523/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs Utah?
Healthcare is 17% higher in Montana (index 106.5 vs 90.9). Housing is 13% lower in Montana (index 94.4 vs 108.8). Groceries is 5% higher in Montana (index 101.6 vs 96.9).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or Utah?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.40/gallon in Utah — a $0.21 difference per gallon.
Montana vs Utah cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and Utah has 99.5 (national average = 100). Utah is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Utah?
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. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.65%, applied uniformly to all taxable income. Use the Montana vs Utah 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 Utah?
Montana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Utah 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
- Utah Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs Utah Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- Montana Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Montana
- Utah Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Utah
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Utah — How much house can you afford?
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Utah Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Montana Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Utah 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
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- 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.