Circle, MT vs West Yellowstone, MT

The cost of living difference between Circle, MT and West Yellowstone, MT is dramatic. Circle is 37.1% cheaper than West Yellowstone, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Circle has a cost index of 62 while West Yellowstone sits at 99, 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 Circle is $545/month compared to $1,035/month in West Yellowstone — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Circle is more affordable at $161,100 median vs $402,600.

Median household income in Circle is $81,250 compared to $57,167 in West Yellowstone (+42.1%). Circle offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Circle spend roughly 8% of their income on rent, less than the 21.7% in West Yellowstone.