Montana
105.9
composite · rank #35
- Housing
- 113.2
- Grocery
- 102.4
- Utilities
- 80.2
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Montana vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Montana has the lower cost of living by 4.2 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Montana is lower
4.2 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in New Hampshire is roughly $96,185 in Montana.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
New Hampshire
110.1
composite · rank #38
- Housing
- 116.5
- Grocery
- 100
- Utilities
- 116.4
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Montana | New Hampshire | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 102.4 | 100 | New Hampshire |
| Housing | 113.2 | 116.5 | Montana |
| Utilities | 80.2 | 116.4 | Montana |
| Transportation | 103.9 | 106 | Montana |
| Health care | 106.3 | 106.5 | Montana |
| Misc. goods & services | 108 | 108.8 | Montana |
Grocery
Montana102.4
New Hampshire100
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Housing
Montana113.2
New Hampshire116.5
Lower cost: Montana
Utilities
Montana80.2
New Hampshire116.4
Lower cost: Montana
Transportation
Montana103.9
New Hampshire106
Lower cost: Montana
Health care
Montana106.3
New Hampshire106.5
Lower cost: Montana
Misc. goods & services
Montana108
New Hampshire108.8
Lower cost: Montana
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in New Hampshire | Needed in Montana |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,983 | $48,093 |
| $75,000 | $77,975 | $72,139 |
| $100,000 | $103,966 | $96,185 |
| $150,000 | $155,949 | $144,278 |
| $250,000 | $259,915 | $240,463 |
$50,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$51,983
In Montana$48,093
$75,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$77,975
In Montana$72,139
$100,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$103,966
In Montana$96,185
$150,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$155,949
In Montana$144,278
Housing gap
Montana housing is 113.2; New Hampshire is 116.5.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Montana is roughly $103,966 in New Hampshire.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Montana vs New Hampshire cost of living FAQs
Montana has the lower cost of living by 4.2 index points. The composite indexes are 105.9 in Montana and 110.1 in New Hampshire (US average = 100).
About $103,966 in New Hampshire would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Montana, based on the composite indexes.
About $96,185 in Montana would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in New Hampshire.
Housing indexes are 113.2 in Montana and 116.5 in New Hampshire. 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.
Montana 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.