Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $953 in Montana versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Montana runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $68,854 in Vermont — about 4% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
8.75%
+3.1 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$953
$1,275
+34% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$427,400
$399,600
+7% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$68,854
+4% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.9°F
46.0°F
+0.1°F in Vermont
Montana vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Vermont?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $953 runs about 25% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana than in Vermont?
- 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 $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or Vermont?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Montana/Vermont — 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.