Montana vs Wyoming Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,479
in Montana
$79,281
in Wyoming
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 | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.4 | 87.1 | +8% |
| Groceries | 101.6 | 99.8 | +2% |
| Utilities | 81.5 | 97.2 | -16% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 91.9 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 99.0 | +8% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.6 | 98.3 | 0% |
| Overall | 96.8 | 94.6 | +2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Montana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Montana | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $305,000 | +$105,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,219/mo | +$103 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.20/gal | $0.01 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $81/mo | +$15 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $9,327/yr | +$3,451 |
Salary equivalent: Montana → Wyoming
What a Montana salary buys you in Wyoming, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Montana | Equivalent in Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,864 | +$1,136 |
| $75,000 | $73,295 | +$1,705 |
| $100,000 | $97,727 | +$2,273 |
| $150,000 | $146,591 | +$3,409 |
| $200,000 | $195,455 | +$4,545 |
Positive = your money goes further in Wyoming. 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 2% more expensive than Wyoming overall. Montana has an index of 96.8 vs 94.6 for Wyoming (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Wyoming?
Wyoming is cheaper to live in. Montana is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $305,000 in Wyoming.
Is Wyoming cheaper than Montana?
Yes, Wyoming is 2% 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 Wyoming?
Yes, Montana is 2% more expensive than Wyoming based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wyoming equals $100,000 in Montana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Montana, you would need approximately $97,727 in Wyoming. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (96.8 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Montana and Wyoming?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wyoming. Median home prices are $410,000 in Montana vs $305,000 in Wyoming — a $105,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/mo vs $1,219/mo.
What costs more in Montana vs Wyoming?
Utilities is 16% lower in Montana (index 81.5 vs 97.2). Transportation is 8% higher in Montana (index 99.5 vs 91.9). Healthcare is 8% higher in Montana (index 106.5 vs 99).
Is gas cheaper in Montana or Wyoming?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Montana and $3.20/gallon in Wyoming — a $0.01 difference per gallon.
Montana vs Wyoming cost of living — how do they compare?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 and Wyoming has 94.6 (national average = 100). Montana is 2% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Montana and Wyoming?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Montana vs Wyoming 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
- Wyoming Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Montana vs Wyoming Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wyoming — 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.