Custer, MT vs Essex, MT

The cost of living difference between Custer, MT and Essex, MT is dramatic. Custer is 45.1% cheaper than Essex, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Custer has a cost index of 55 while Essex sits at 100, 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.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Custer are $121,700 compared to $329,200 in Essex, a 63% gap.

Median household income in Custer is $70,000 compared to $73,393 in Essex (-4.6%). Essex does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget.

Climate-wise, Custer is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 39.5°F in Essex. Essex receives more rainfall at 26.1" per year compared to 14.3" in Custer.