Ekalaka, MT vs Plains, MT

Ekalaka is moderately more affordable than Plains, with a 14.4% lower cost of living index. Ekalaka scores 63 compared to 73 for Plains, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Plains can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Ekalaka is $678/month compared to $782/month in Plains — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ekalaka is more affordable at $118,300 median vs $209,200.

Median household income in Ekalaka is $45,417 compared to $24,661 in Plains (+84.2%). Ekalaka offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ekalaka spend roughly 17.9% of their income on rent, less than the 38.1% in Plains. The Ekalaka ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Plains is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 43.5°F in Ekalaka. Plains receives more rainfall at 16.4" per year compared to 14.6" in Ekalaka.