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Moving from Texas to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

TX state flag
Living now

Texas

Capital: Austin

Median household income $75,780 · winter low 38°F · 232 sunny days

No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings.

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
Texas
97.1
Montana
94.6
Montana has 2.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Texas
96.5
Montana
84.6
Montana has 12% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Texas
99.3
Montana
98.7
Montana has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Texas
99.6
Montana
99.2
Electricity rate
Texas
16.4 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 18% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Texas
99.4
Montana
98.9
Median home value
Texas
$313,200
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 36% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Texas
$1,307/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 29% 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
Texas
96°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 14% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Texas
38°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 63% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Texas
232°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 81% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Texas
28
Montana
205
Montana has 632% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Texas
57 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 73% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Texas
3
Montana
42
Montana has 1300% higher AQI
Snow / year
51 in

Get the full TexasMontana 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 Texas?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.3 for Texas — 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?

Texas tops out at 0% 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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