Montana
105.9
composite · rank #35
- Housing
- 113.2
- Grocery
- 102.4
- Utilities
- 80.2
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Montana vs Colorado Cost of Living
Colorado has the lower cost of living by 4.1 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Colorado is lower
4.1 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Montana is roughly $96,128 in Colorado.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Colorado
101.8
composite · rank #34
- Housing
- 107.4
- Grocery
- 100.9
- Utilities
- 88.7
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Montana | Colorado | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 102.4 | 100.9 | Colorado |
| Housing | 113.2 | 107.4 | Colorado |
| Utilities | 80.2 | 88.7 | Montana |
| Transportation | 103.9 | 89.1 | Colorado |
| Health care | 106.3 | 103.9 | Colorado |
| Misc. goods & services | 108 | 103.5 | Colorado |
Grocery
Montana102.4
Colorado100.9
Lower cost: Colorado
Housing
Montana113.2
Colorado107.4
Lower cost: Colorado
Utilities
Montana80.2
Colorado88.7
Lower cost: Montana
Transportation
Montana103.9
Colorado89.1
Lower cost: Colorado
Health care
Montana106.3
Colorado103.9
Lower cost: Colorado
Misc. goods & services
Montana108
Colorado103.5
Lower cost: Colorado
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Colorado | Needed in Montana |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,064 | $52,014 |
| $75,000 | $72,096 | $78,021 |
| $100,000 | $96,128 | $104,028 |
| $150,000 | $144,193 | $156,041 |
| $250,000 | $240,321 | $260,069 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Colorado$48,064
In Montana$52,014
$75,000 origin salary
In Colorado$72,096
In Montana$78,021
$100,000 origin salary
In Colorado$96,128
In Montana$104,028
$150,000 origin salary
In Colorado$144,193
In Montana$156,041
Housing gap
Montana housing is 113.2; Colorado is 107.4.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Montana is roughly $96,128 in Colorado.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Montana vs Colorado cost of living FAQs
Colorado has the lower cost of living by 4.1 index points. The composite indexes are 105.9 in Montana and 101.8 in Colorado (US average = 100).
About $96,128 in Colorado would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Montana, based on the composite indexes.
About $104,028 in Montana would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Colorado.
Housing indexes are 113.2 in Montana and 107.4 in Colorado. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Colorado has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.