Bigfork, MT vs Miles City, MT

The cost of living difference between Bigfork, MT and Miles City, MT is dramatic. Miles City is 53.5% cheaper than Bigfork, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bigfork has a cost index of 116 while Miles City sits at 76, 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 Bigfork is $1,103/month compared to $932/month in Miles City — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Miles City is more affordable at $182,700 median vs $614,300.

Median household income in Bigfork is $82,648 compared to $60,732 in Miles City (+36.1%). The higher salaries in Bigfork partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bigfork spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Miles City.