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Moving from Minnesota to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

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
Minnesota
98.6
Montana
94.6
Montana has 4.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
Montana
84.6
Montana has 7.3% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
Montana
98.7
Montana has 1.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
Montana
99.2
Montana has 0.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 11% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
Montana
98.9
Montana has 0.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 23% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 18% 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
Minnesota
82°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 250% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 3.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
Montana
205
Montana has 5.1% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 48% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Minnesota
39
Montana
42
Montana has 7.7% higher AQI
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 11% more annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaMontana 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 Minnesota?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota — 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?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% 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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