Montana vs Vermont Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $312/yr more in Vermont

$26/mo · $12/paycheck more

Montana
Vermont

$57,806/yr in Montana vs $58,118/yr in Vermont.

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%

Vermont

Take-home per paycheck

$2,235.31

$58,118/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4755%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,11877%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.5%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.6%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Montana is 15% lower than in Vermont.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,806 in Montana has the purchasing power of $49,301 in Vermont terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Vermont comes out ahead by $8,817/yr.

Housing
Median home$410,000vs$370,000
Montana
11% more
Vermont
Avg 2BR rent$1,322/movs$1,806/mo
Montana
Vermont
37% more
Groceries
Index
Montana
Vermont
4% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.44/gal
Montana
Vermont
8% more
Utilities
Electric bill$96/movs$163/mo
Montana
Vermont
70% more
Healthcare
Index
Montana
Vermont
5% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$12,778/yrvs$18,836/yr
Montana
Vermont
47% more

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%.

Vermont: Vermont uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%.

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

Salary Montana take-home Vermont take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,981 $40,531 -$549
$75,000 $57,806 $58,118 -$312
$100,000 $73,981 $74,056 -$74
$150,000 $105,767 $104,967 + $800
$200,000 $138,078 $136,303 + $1,775
$300,000 $198,678 $194,143 + $4,535

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Montana or Vermont?

At a $100,000 salary, Vermont results in $74 more annual take-home pay. Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%. Vermont uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $549/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $800/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $4,535/yr.

Do Montana and Vermont 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 Vermont?

Montana is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Montana is 6% lower than in Vermont. Montana's Regional Price Parity is 97.2 and Vermont's is 103.2 (US average = 100).

Is Montana cheaper than Vermont?

Yes. Montana has a lower cost of living than Vermont (index 97.2 vs 103.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Vermont more expensive than Montana?

Yes. Vermont has a higher cost of living (index 103.2) 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 $69,680 in Vermont terms. Conversely, $74,056 in Vermont equals $78,627 in Montana terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Vermont comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 6% different between Montana and Vermont. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are about 3% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Vermont gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Montana and Vermont?

Montana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Vermont 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Montana Paycheck Estimator · Vermont Paycheck Estimator · All states