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Big Sky, MT vs Vaughn, MT

159
Big Sky
Montana
VS
+119.5%
73
Vaughn
Montana

The cost of living difference between Big Sky, MT and Vaughn, MT is dramatic. Vaughn is 119.5% 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 Vaughn sits at 73, 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 $865/month in Vaughn — a 98% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Vaughn is more affordable at $165,600 median vs $884,700.

Median household income in Big Sky is $103,625 compared to $54,250 in Vaughn (+91%). The higher salaries in Big Sky partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Big Sky spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in Vaughn.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Big Sky
159
Vaughn
73
54% cheaper
Median Household Income
Big Sky
$103,625
48% higher
Vaughn
$54,250

Housing

Median Rent
Big Sky
$1,712
Vaughn
$865
49% cheaper
Median Home Value
Big Sky
$884,700
Vaughn
$165,600
81% cheaper
Population
Big Sky
2,388
Vaughn
970

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Big Sky $2.96
Vaughn $2.96
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Big Sky $2.41
Vaughn $2.41
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Big Sky $3.88
Vaughn $3.88
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Big Sky $1.79
Vaughn $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Big Sky $4.00
Vaughn $4.00
US $4.14
Electricity
Big Sky $0.14
Vaughn $0.14
US $0.19