Gardiner, MT vs West Glendive, MT

The cost of living difference between Gardiner, MT and West Glendive, MT is dramatic. West Glendive is 49.4% cheaper than Gardiner, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Gardiner has a cost index of 107 while West Glendive sits at 71, 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 Gardiner is $795/month compared to $794/month in West Glendive — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Glendive is more affordable at $179,700 median vs $609,200.

Median household income in Gardiner is $57,835 compared to $57,743 in West Glendive (+0.2%). Gardiner 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 Gardiner spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in West Glendive.

Climate-wise, West Glendive is notably warmer with an average of 43.5°F compared to 32°F in Gardiner. Gardiner receives more rainfall at 23.1" per year compared to 14.6" in West Glendive.