Conrad, MT vs Hays, MT

The cost of living difference between Conrad, MT and Hays, MT is dramatic. Hays is 33.6% cheaper than Conrad, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Conrad has a cost index of 73 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 Conrad is $888/month compared to $550/month in Hays — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $158,400.

Median household income in Conrad is $47,348 compared to $57,875 in Hays (-18.2%). 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 Conrad spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Hays.