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Moving from Montana to Minnesota

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

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.

MN state flag
Moving to

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

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

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

Minnesota has an overall price level 98.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
Minnesota
98.6
Minnesota has 4.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Minnesota
91.3
Minnesota has 7.8% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Minnesota
99.7
Minnesota has 1.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Minnesota
99.8
Minnesota has 0.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
Minnesota has 12% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Minnesota
99.7
Minnesota has 0.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Minnesota
$344,600
Minnesota is 19% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
Minnesota is 22% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
Minnesota
82°F
Minnesota is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Minnesota
4°F
Minnesota is 71% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Minnesota
42°F
Minnesota is 3.2% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Minnesota
195
Minnesota has 4.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Minnesota
29 in
Minnesota is 93% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Minnesota
39
Minnesota has 7.1% lower AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Minnesota
46 in
Minnesota is 9.8% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaMinnesota 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 Minnesota than Montana?

Minnesota's overall price level is roughly 97.3 (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. Minnesota tops out at 9.85%.

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

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

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