Frenchtown, MT vs Shelby, MT

The cost of living difference between Frenchtown, MT and Shelby, MT is dramatic. Shelby is 49.9% cheaper than Frenchtown, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Frenchtown has a cost index of 109 while Shelby sits at 73, 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 Frenchtown is $1,458/month compared to $769/month in Shelby — a 90% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelby is more affordable at $206,000 median vs $391,600.

Median household income in Frenchtown is $90,767 compared to $53,357 in Shelby (+70.1%). While Frenchtown is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Frenchtown spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in Shelby.

Climate-wise, Frenchtown is notably warmer with an average of 45.2°F compared to 41.8°F in Shelby. Frenchtown receives more rainfall at 14.1" per year compared to 10.8" in Shelby.