Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Montana versus $804 in North Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 8% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
5%
+5.0 pp in North Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
2.50%
+3.2 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$804
+10% in Montana
Median Home Value
$311,800
$269,800
+13% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$66,029
+8% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.2°F
42.4°F
+5.8°F in Montana
Montana vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or North Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 10% below Montana's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana than in North Dakota?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Montana versus $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or North Dakota?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Montana/North Dakota — 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.