Deer Lodge, MT vs Harlowton, MT

Deer Lodge, MT and Harlowton, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Deer Lodge scores 72 while Harlowton scores 71 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Deer Lodge is $781/month compared to $766/month in Harlowton — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harlowton is more affordable at $178,800 median vs $196,400.

Median household income in Deer Lodge is $53,676 compared to $53,750 in Harlowton (-0.1%). Harlowton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Deer Lodge spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.1% in Harlowton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43°F vs 40.6°F). Harlowton receives more rainfall at 16.8" per year compared to 12.1" in Deer Lodge.