Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $782 in Indiana versus $889 in Montana. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,293 in Indiana and $71,855 in Montana — about 16% higher in Montana. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
None
+7.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
5.65%
+2.7 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$782
$889
+14% in Montana
Median Home Value
$169,700
$311,800
+84% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$71,855
+19% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
48.2°F
+5.0°F in Indiana
Indiana vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Montana?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 12% below Montana's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Indiana 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 $31,000 a year in Indiana versus $36,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Montana?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% 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 Indiana/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.