Montana vs Texas Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $3,786/yr more in Texas

$316/mo · $146/paycheck more

Montana
Texas

$57,806/yr in Montana vs $61,593/yr in Texas.

Montana

Take-home per paycheck

$2,223.32

$57,806/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7865%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,80677%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

Texas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Montana is 6% higher than in Texas.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,806 in Montana has the purchasing power of $61,423 in Texas terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Texas comes out ahead by $170/yr.

Housing
Median home$410,000vs$295,000
Montana
39% more
Texas
Avg 2BR rent$1,322/movs$1,112/mo
Montana
19% more
Texas
Groceries
Index
Montana
7% more
Texas
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.21/gal
Montana
Texas
1% more
Utilities
Electric bill$96/movs$87/mo
Montana
11% more
Texas
Healthcare
Index
Montana
10% more
Texas
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$12,778/yrvs$10,706/yr
Montana
19% more
Texas

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Montana: Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%.

Texas: Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Montana take-home Texas take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,981 $42,355 -$2,374
$75,000 $57,806 $61,593 -$3,786
$100,000 $73,981 $79,180 -$5,199
$150,000 $105,767 $113,791 -$8,024
$200,000 $138,078 $148,927 -$10,849
$300,000 $198,678 $215,177 -$16,499

Positive values mean higher take-home in Montana. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Montana or Texas?

At a $100,000 salary, Texas results in $5,199 more annual take-home pay. Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%. Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

How much more do you take home in Texas vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,374/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $8,024/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $16,499/yr.

Do Montana and Texas have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Texas?

Montana is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Montana and Texas is about the same. Montana's Regional Price Parity is 97.2 and Texas's is 97.5 (US average = 100).

Is Montana cheaper than Texas?

Yes. Montana has a lower cost of living than Texas (index 97.2 vs 97.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Texas more expensive than Montana?

Yes. Texas has a higher cost of living (index 97.5) compared to Montana (index 97.2). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $73,981 in Montana has the purchasing power of $73,754 in Texas terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Texas equals $79,424 in Montana terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Texas comes out ahead.

Montana vs Texas cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 0% different between Montana and Texas. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are about 3% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Texas gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Montana Paycheck Estimator · Texas Paycheck Estimator · All states