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East Helena, MT vs Muddy, MT

84
East Helena
Montana
VS
+53.6%
55
Muddy
Montana

The cost of living difference between East Helena, MT and Muddy, MT is dramatic. Muddy is 53.6% cheaper than East Helena, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. East Helena has a cost index of 84 while Muddy sits at 55, 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 East Helena is $1,020/month compared to $404/month in Muddy — a 153% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Muddy is more affordable at $120,200 median vs $254,400.

Median household income in East Helena is $53,611 compared to $48,409 in Muddy (+10.7%). East Helena does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of East Helena spend roughly 22.8% of their income on rent, more than the 10% in Muddy.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.5°F vs 45.4°F). Muddy receives more rainfall at 14.9" per year compared to 11.4" in East Helena.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
East Helena
84
Muddy
55
35% cheaper
Median Household Income
East Helena
$53,611
10% higher
Muddy
$48,409

Housing

Median Rent
East Helena
$1,020
Muddy
$404
60% cheaper
Median Home Value
East Helena
$254,400
Muddy
$120,200
53% cheaper
Population
East Helena
1,855
Muddy
641

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
East Helena $2.96
Muddy
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
East Helena $2.41
Muddy
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
East Helena $3.88
Muddy
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
East Helena $1.79
Muddy
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
East Helena $4.00
Muddy
US $4.14
Electricity
East Helena $0.14
Muddy
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
East Helena 45.5°F
Muddy 45.4°F
Summer High
East Helena 86°F
Muddy 88°F
Winter Low
East Helena 14°F
Muddy 12°F
Rainfall
East Helena 11.4"
Muddy 14.9"
Rainy Days
East Helena 91d
Muddy 102d