Big Sky, MT vs Lincoln, MT

The cost of living difference between Big Sky, MT and Lincoln, MT is dramatic. Lincoln is 101.7% cheaper than Big Sky, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Big Sky has a cost index of 159 while Lincoln sits at 79, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Big Sky is $1,712/month compared to $764/month in Lincoln — a 124% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lincoln is more affordable at $286,200 median vs $884,700.

Median household income in Big Sky is $103,625 compared to $45,912 in Lincoln (+125.7%). While Big Sky is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Big Sky spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, less than the 20% in Lincoln.