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Moving from Ohio to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cleveland Clinic, Intel chip plant, three big metros. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

OH state flag
Living now

Ohio

Capital: Columbus

Median household income $66,990 · winter low 21°F · 178 sunny days

Cleveland Clinic, Intel chip plant, three big metros.

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
Ohio
92.8
Montana
94.6
Montana has 2.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
Ohio
73.0
Montana
84.6
Montana has 16% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Ohio
98.2
Montana
98.7
Utilities index (modeled)
Ohio
98.9
Montana
99.2
Electricity rate
Ohio
18.8 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 28% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Ohio
98.6
Montana
98.9
Median home value
Ohio
$239,800
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 77% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Ohio
$878/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 6.3% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Ohio
84°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Ohio
21°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 33% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Ohio
51°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 15% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Ohio
178
Montana
205
Montana has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Ohio
40 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Ohio
42
Montana
42
Snow / year
Ohio
25 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 104% more annual snowfall

Get the full OhioMontana report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Montana than Ohio?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 89.4 for Ohio — 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?

Ohio tops out at 2.75% 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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