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Moving from Montana to Massachusetts

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

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 12% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 51% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 2.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 1.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 124% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 2.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 43% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 59% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 57% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 11% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 2.4% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 221% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 31% lower AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 2.0% less annual snowfall

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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 Massachusetts than Montana?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Massachusetts?

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

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