Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Montana versus $857 in New York. Overall, New York runs roughly 4% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $48,050 in New York — about 33% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
4%
+4.0 pp in New York
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
10.90%
+5.3 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$857
+4% in Montana
Median Home Value
$311,800
$152,300
+51% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$48,050
+33% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.2°F
48.3°F
+0.1°F in New York
Montana vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or New York?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 4% 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 New York?
- 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 $34,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or New York?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Montana/New York — 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.