Big Timber, MT vs Shelby, MT

Shelby is moderately more affordable than Big Timber, with a 13.3% lower cost of living index. Big Timber scores 82 compared to 73 for Shelby, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Big Timber can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Big Timber is $1,009/month compared to $769/month in Shelby — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelby is more affordable at $206,000 median vs $235,100.

Median household income in Big Timber is $63,514 compared to $53,357 in Shelby (+19%). While Big Timber 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 Timber spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in Shelby.