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Moving from Alaska to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

AK state flag
Living now

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alaska
102.4
Montana
94.6
Montana has 7.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Alaska
93.8
Montana
84.6
Montana has 9.7% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Alaska
100.6
Montana
98.7
Montana has 1.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alaska
100.4
Montana
99.2
Montana has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 50% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alaska
100.5
Montana
98.9
Montana has 1.5% lower transportation
Median home value
Alaska
$376,500
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 13% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 11% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alaska
65°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 28% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alaska
8°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 75% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alaska
33°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 34% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alaska
142
Montana
205
Montana has 44% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alaska
42 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 63% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Alaska
8
Montana
42
Montana has 425% higher AQI
Snow / year
Alaska
85 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 40% less annual snowfall

Get the full AlaskaMontana report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Montana than Alaska?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.2 for Alaska — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alaska tops out at 0% income tax. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Montana?

Most Montana residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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