Ashland, MT vs Red Lodge, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ashland is 27.1% cheaper than Red Lodge. With a cost index of 63 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ashland to Red Lodge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $638/month compared to $805/month in Red Lodge — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashland is more affordable at $137,500 median vs $374,900.

Median household income in Ashland is $39,429 compared to $43,857 in Red Lodge (-10.1%). Red Lodge does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashland spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Red Lodge.