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Moving from Arizona to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

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
Arizona
100.7
Montana
94.6
Montana has 6.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Montana
84.6
Montana has 21% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arizona
100.2
Montana
98.7
Montana has 1.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Montana
99.2
Montana has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 14% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Montana
98.9
Montana has 1.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Montana
$425,400
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 34% 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
Arizona
105°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 21% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 67% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 30% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
286
Montana
205
Montana has 28% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 13% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Arizona
48
Montana
42
Montana has 13% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 410% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaMontana report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Montana than Arizona?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona — 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?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% 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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