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Moving from Hawaii to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

HI state flag
Living now

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

Median household income $94,814 · winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

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
Hawaii
110.0
Montana
94.6
Montana has 14% lower overall price level
Housing index
Hawaii
125.3
Montana
84.6
Montana has 32% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.5
Montana
98.7
Montana has 3.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Hawaii
101.5
Montana
99.2
Montana has 2.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 68% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.0
Montana
98.9
Montana has 3.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Hawaii
$875,900
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 51% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 41% 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
Hawaii
87°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 4.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Hawaii
65°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 78% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Hawaii
72°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 39% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Hawaii
271
Montana
205
Montana has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Hawaii
57 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 73% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Hawaii
17
Montana
42
Montana has 147% higher AQI
Snow / year
Hawaii
0 in
Montana
51 in

Get the full HawaiiMontana 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 Hawaii?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 113.2 for Hawaii — 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?

Hawaii tops out at 11% 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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