Charlo, MT vs Hays, MT

The cost of living difference between Charlo, MT and Hays, MT is dramatic. Hays is 31.1% cheaper than Charlo, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Charlo has a cost index of 71 while Hays sits at 54, 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 Charlo is $833/month compared to $550/month in Hays — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $162,500.

Median household income in Charlo is $39,107 compared to $57,875 in Hays (-32.4%). Hays offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Charlo spend roughly 25.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Hays.