Great Falls, MT vs Helena, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Great Falls is 16.1% cheaper than Helena. With a cost index of 78 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Great Falls to Helena should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Great Falls is $866/month compared to $1,058/month in Helena — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Great Falls is more affordable at $237,400 median vs $355,100.

Median household income in Great Falls is $63,934 compared to $69,341 in Helena (-7.8%). 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 Great Falls spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in Helena.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.6°F vs 45.5°F). Great Falls receives more rainfall at 14.8" per year compared to 11.4" in Helena.