Montana vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 118.3 | -20% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 108.0 | -6% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 98.8 | -18% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 124.0 | -20% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 110.2 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 111.2 | -11% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 112.9 | -14% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $580,000 | $170,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,656/mo | $334 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.50 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $90/mo | +$6 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $20,677/yr | $7,899 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → Washington
What a Montana salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,316 | $-8,316 |
| $75,000 | $87,474 | $-12,474 |
| $100,000 | $116,632 | $-16,632 |
| $150,000 | $174,948 | $-24,948 |
| $200,000 | $233,264 | $-33,264 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Washington is 14% more expensive than Montana overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 96.8 for Montana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Washington?
Montana is cheaper to live in. Washington is 14% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Montana cheaper than Washington?
Yes, Montana is 14% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than Montana?
Yes, Washington is 14% more expensive than Montana based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $116,632 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Montana. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $580,000 in Washington — a $170,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs Washington?
Transportation is 20% lower in Montana (index 99.5 vs 124). Housing is 20% lower in Montana (index 94.4 vs 118.3). Utilities is 18% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 98.8).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or Washington?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.50 difference per gallon.
Montana vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Washington is 14% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Montana vs Washington 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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.