Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $953 in Montana. Overall, Montana runs roughly 1% cheaper on rent than Michigan, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $71,855 in Montana — about 9% higher in Montana. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
5.65%
+1.4 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$953
+1% in Michigan
Median Home Value
$225,500
$427,400
+90% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$71,855
+10% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
45.9°F
+3.2°F in Michigan
Michigan vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Montana?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $953 runs about 1% below Michigan's $964, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $38,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Montana?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 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 3/3 cities we track in Michigan/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.