Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $953 in Montana versus $863 in Oklahoma. Overall, Oklahoma runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $65,060 in Oklahoma — about 9% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
4.5%
+4.5 pp in Oklahoma
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
4.50%
+1.2 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$953
$863
+9% in Montana
Median Home Value
$427,400
$215,100
+50% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$65,060
+9% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.9°F
61.5°F
+15.6°F in Oklahoma
Montana vs Oklahoma — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $863 runs about 9% below Montana's $953, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana than in Oklahoma?
- 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 $35,000 in Oklahoma.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or Oklahoma?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Montana/Oklahoma — 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.