Montana vs West Virginia Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$85,227
in West Virginia
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 | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 71.2 | +33% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 96.3 | +6% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 90.7 | -10% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 97.8 | +2% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 95.2 | +12% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 94.7 | +4% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 88.0 | +10% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $170,000 | +$240,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $997/mo | +$325 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.41/gal | $0.22 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $98/mo | $2 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $9,692/yr | +$3,086 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → West Virginia
What a Montana salary buys you in West Virginia, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,455 | +$4,545 |
| $75,000 | $68,182 | +$6,818 |
| $100,000 | $90,909 | +$9,091 |
| $150,000 | $136,364 | +$13,636 |
| $200,000 | $181,818 | +$18,182 |
Positive = your money goes further in West Virginia. 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 10% more expensive than West Virginia overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 88 for West Virginia (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or West Virginia?
West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Montana is 10% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $170,000 in West Virginia.
Is West Virginia cheaper than Montana?
Yes, West Virginia is 10% 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 West Virginia?
Yes, Montana is 10% more expensive than West Virginia based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in West Virginia equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $90,909 in West Virginia. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 88).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and West Virginia?
Housing is significantly cheaper in West Virginia. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $170,000 in West Virginia — a $240,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $997/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs West Virginia?
Housing is 33% higher in Montana (index 94.4 vs 71.2). Healthcare is 12% higher in Montana (index 106.5 vs 95.2). Utilities is 10% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 90.7).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or West Virginia?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.41/gallon in West Virginia — a $0.22 difference per gallon.
Montana vs West Virginia cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and West Virginia has 88 (national average = 100). Montana is 10% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and West Virginia?
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. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.12% on income above $60,000. The state has been reducing rates and may move toward a flat tax. With the lowest cost of living east of the Mississippi, WV offers strong purchasing power despite moderate tax rates. Use the Montana vs West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
Montana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. West Virginia 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
- West Virginia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in West Virginia — How much house can you afford?
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- West Virginia Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Montana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- West Virginia Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Montana Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- West Virginia 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.