Montana
105.9
composite · rank #35
- Housing
- 113.2
- Grocery
- 102.4
- Utilities
- 80.2
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Montana vs Oregon Cost of Living
Montana has the lower cost of living by 3.7 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
3.7 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Oregon is roughly $96,624 in Montana.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Oregon
109.6
composite · rank #37
- Housing
- 117.4
- Grocery
- 104.5
- Utilities
- 96.3
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Montana | Oregon | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 102.4 | 104.5 | Montana |
| Housing | 113.2 | 117.4 | Montana |
| Utilities | 80.2 | 96.3 | Montana |
| Transportation | 103.9 | 115.4 | Montana |
| Health care | 106.3 | 115.3 | Montana |
| Misc. goods & services | 108 | 106.1 | Oregon |
Grocery
Montana102.4
Oregon104.5
Lower cost: Montana
Housing
Montana113.2
Oregon117.4
Lower cost: Montana
Utilities
Montana80.2
Oregon96.3
Lower cost: Montana
Transportation
Montana103.9
Oregon115.4
Lower cost: Montana
Health care
Montana106.3
Oregon115.3
Lower cost: Montana
Misc. goods & services
Montana108
Oregon106.1
Lower cost: Oregon
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Oregon | Needed in Montana |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,747 | $48,312 |
| $75,000 | $77,620 | $72,468 |
| $100,000 | $103,494 | $96,624 |
| $150,000 | $155,241 | $144,936 |
| $250,000 | $258,735 | $241,560 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Oregon$51,747
In Montana$48,312
$75,000 origin salary
In Oregon$77,620
In Montana$72,468
$100,000 origin salary
In Oregon$103,494
In Montana$96,624
$150,000 origin salary
In Oregon$155,241
In Montana$144,936
Housing gap
Montana housing is 113.2; Oregon is 117.4.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Montana is roughly $103,494 in Oregon.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Montana vs Oregon cost of living FAQs
Montana has the lower cost of living by 3.7 index points. The composite indexes are 105.9 in Montana and 109.6 in Oregon (US average = 100).
About $103,494 in Oregon would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Montana, based on the composite indexes.
About $96,624 in Montana would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Oregon.
Housing indexes are 113.2 in Montana and 117.4 in Oregon. 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.