East Helena, MT vs Poplar, MT

The cost of living difference between East Helena, MT and Poplar, MT is dramatic. Poplar is 38.3% 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 Poplar sits at 61, 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 $680/month in Poplar — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Poplar is more affordable at $91,700 median vs $254,400.

Median household income in East Helena is $53,611 compared to $45,104 in Poplar (+18.9%). 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 18.1% in Poplar.

Climate-wise, East Helena is notably warmer with an average of 45.5°F compared to 40.5°F in Poplar. Poplar receives more rainfall at 14.2" per year compared to 11.4" in East Helena.