Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $889 in Montana. Overall, Montana runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $71,855 in Montana — about 7% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
None
+5.6 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
5.65%
+3.2 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$889
+29% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$311,800
+14% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$71,855
+7% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
48.2°F
+26.9°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Montana?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 29% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Montana?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $36,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Montana?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Montana — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.