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Moving from New York to Montana

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

NY state flag
Living now

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.

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
New York
107.9
Montana
94.6
Montana has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
New York
122.2
Montana
84.6
Montana has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New York
102.0
Montana
98.7
Montana has 3.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New York
101.2
Montana
99.2
Montana has 2.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 53% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New York
101.6
Montana
98.9
Montana has 2.6% lower transportation
Median home value
New York
$449,800
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 5.4% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New York
$1,530/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 39% 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
New York
84°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New York
24°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 42% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New York
47°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 7.2% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New York
184
Montana
205
Montana has 11% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New York
43 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 64% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
New York
39
Montana
42
Montana has 7.7% higher AQI
Snow / year
New York
76 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 33% less annual snowfall

Get the full New YorkMontana 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 New York?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.5 for New York — 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?

New York tops out at 10.9% 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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