Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $841 in Mississippi versus $953 in Montana. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,140 in Mississippi and $71,855 in Montana — about 39% higher in Montana. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% 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 Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
4.00%
5.65%
+1.7 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$841
$953
+13% in Montana
Median Home Value
$153,600
$427,400
+178% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,140
$71,855
+63% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
66.1°F
45.9°F
+20.2°F in Mississippi
Mississippi vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or Montana?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 12% below Montana's $953, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Mississippi 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 $34,000 a year in Mississippi versus $38,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Mississippi or Montana?
- Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% 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 3/3 cities we track in Mississippi/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.