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Moving from Montana to New York

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

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.

NY state flag
Moving to

New York

Capital: Albany

Median household income $81,386 · winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days

NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

New York has an overall price level 107.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
New York
107.9
New York has 14% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
New York
122.2
New York has 44% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
New York
102.0
New York has 3.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
New York
101.2
New York has 2.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
New York has 112% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
New York
101.6
New York has 2.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
New York
$449,800
New York is 5.7% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
New York
$1,530/mo
New York is 64% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
New York
84°F
New York is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
New York
24°F
New York is 71% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
New York
47°F
New York is 7.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
New York
184
New York has 10% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
New York
43 in
New York is 180% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
New York
39
New York has 7.1% lower AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
New York
76 in
New York is 49% more annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaNew York 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 New York than Montana?

New York's overall price level is roughly 109.5 (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. New York tops out at 10.9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New York?

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

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