Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $953 in Montana versus $1,183 in New Jersey. Overall, Montana runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $53,766 in New Jersey — about 25% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6.625%
+6.6 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
10.75%
+5.1 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$953
$1,183
+24% in New Jersey
Median Home Value
$427,400
$337,800
+21% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$53,766
+25% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.9°F
54.9°F
+9.0°F in New Jersey
Montana vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or New Jersey?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $953 runs about 19% below New Jersey's $1,183, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana than in New Jersey?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $38,000 a year in Montana versus $47,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or New Jersey?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Montana/New Jersey — 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.