Montana's cost of living index is 106 — 6.0% above the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
106.0
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
+6.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$75,340
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$71,075
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 106.0 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | +6.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $75,340 | Montana median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $71,075 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | High | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 1,144,694 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 106, Montana is 6% above the national average. Higher costs in Montana mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $75,340 in Montana provides the equivalent purchasing power of $71,075 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Montana's typical home value of $471,700 is well above the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (5.65% top rate in Montana), sales tax (no state sales tax), and property taxes (0.69% effective rate).
