Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Massachusetts to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Montana
94.6
Montana has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Montana
84.6
Montana has 34% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Montana
98.7
Montana has 2.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Montana
99.2
Montana has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Montana
98.9
Montana has 2.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 30% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 37% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 36% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 9.7% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Montana
205
Montana has 2.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 69% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Montana
42
Montana has 45% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 2.0% more annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsMontana 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 Massachusetts?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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.

Related comparisons