Hamilton, MT vs Red Lodge, MT

Hamilton, MT and Red Lodge, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.6% difference in their overall index. Hamilton scores 86 while Red Lodge scores 87 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hamilton is $958/month compared to $805/month in Red Lodge — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Red Lodge has cheaper rent, Hamilton actually has lower median home values ($299,800 vs $374,900).

Median household income in Hamilton is $52,917 compared to $43,857 in Red Lodge (+20.7%). Hamilton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hamilton spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Red Lodge.

Climate-wise, Red Lodge is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 45.2°F in Hamilton. Red Lodge receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 14.1" in Hamilton.