Montana vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $835/yr more in West Virginia

$70/mo · $32/paycheck more

Montana
West Virginia

$57,806/yr in Montana vs $58,641/yr in West Virginia.

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%

West Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,255.42

$58,641/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,9524%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,64178%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Montana is 10% higher than in West Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,806 in Montana has the purchasing power of $63,587 in West Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Montana comes out ahead by $4,946/yr.

Housing
Median home$410,000vs$170,000
Montana
141% more
West Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,322/movs$997/mo
Montana
33% more
West Virginia
Groceries
Index
Montana
6% more
West Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.41/gal
Montana
West Virginia
7% more
Utilities
Electric bill$96/movs$98/mo
Montana
West Virginia
2% more
Healthcare
Index
Montana
12% more
West Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$12,778/yrvs$9,692/yr
Montana
32% more
West Virginia

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%.

West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

Salary Montana take-home West Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,981 $40,644 -$662
$75,000 $57,806 $58,641 -$835
$100,000 $73,981 $74,949 -$967
$150,000 $105,767 $107,000 -$1,232
$200,000 $138,078 $139,576 -$1,497
$300,000 $198,678 $200,705 -$2,027

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Montana or West Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, West Virginia results in $967 more annual take-home pay. Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $662/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,232/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,027/yr.

Do Montana and West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Montana is 12% higher than in West Virginia. Montana's Regional Price Parity is 97.2 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).

Is West Virginia cheaper than Montana?

Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Montana (index 86.7 vs 97.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Montana more expensive than West Virginia?

Yes. Montana has a higher cost of living (index 97.2) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). 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 $82,941 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $66,852 in Montana terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Montana comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 11% different between Montana and West Virginia. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Montana gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both 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. 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 · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states