Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $953 in Montana versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Montana runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $74,925 in Utah — about 4% higher in Utah. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6.1%
+6.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
4.50%
+1.2 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$953
$1,166
+22% in Utah
Median Home Value
$427,400
$437,100
+2% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$74,925
+4% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.9°F
52.8°F
+6.9°F in Utah
Montana vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Utah?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $953 runs about 18% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana than in Utah?
- 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 Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or Utah?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Montana/Utah — 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.