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Moving from Montana to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

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

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

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 16% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 83% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Montana
98.7
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 7.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 2.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.9 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 83% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 3.1% higher transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 72% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$1,177/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 64% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 6.0% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 100% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 31% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 3.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 193% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
District of Columbia
53
District of Columbia has 26% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Montana
17
District of Columbia
0
District of Columbia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 78% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaDistrict of Columbia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia than Montana?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana, 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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