State Comparison
Montana vs Idaho
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Idaho leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $425,000 in Montana vs $420,000 in Idaho — a $5,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Montana has a 5.9% top income tax rate while Idaho has a 5.8% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.84% vs 0.69%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Montana's index is 101.6 and Idaho's is 97.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Montana and Idaho data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana or Idaho more affordable?
Idaho has a lower cost of living index (97.7) compared to Montana (101.6), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Montana or Idaho?
Overall, Montana has a lower combined tax burden. Montana has a 5.9% top income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.84% property tax. Idaho has a 5.8% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.69% property tax.
What are housing costs in Montana vs Idaho?
The median home price in Montana is $425,000 compared to $420,000 in Idaho. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,020/month in Montana vs $1,050/month in Idaho.
Which state is better for starting a business — Montana or Idaho?
LLC filing costs are $70 in Montana vs $100 in Idaho, with annual fees of $20 and $0 respectively. Montana's 5.9% top tax rate compared to Idaho's 5.8% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Montana to Idaho?
It depends on your priorities. Idaho wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Montana and Idaho
When deciding between living in Montana or Idaho, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Montana (MT) has a median household income of $60,560 with a cost of living index of 101.6. Idaho (ID) has a median household income of $63,377 with a cost of living index of 97.7.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Montana calculator or Idaho calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.