Hamilton, MT vs Whitefish, MT

The cost of living difference between Hamilton, MT and Whitefish, MT is dramatic. Hamilton is 31.3% cheaper than Whitefish, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hamilton has a cost index of 86 while Whitefish sits at 126, 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 Hamilton is $958/month compared to $1,313/month in Whitefish — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hamilton is more affordable at $299,800 median vs $648,200.

Median household income in Hamilton is $52,917 compared to $71,110 in Whitefish (-25.6%). The higher salaries in Whitefish partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hamilton spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22.2% in Whitefish.

Climate-wise, Hamilton is notably warmer with an average of 45.2°F compared to 39.5°F in Whitefish. Whitefish receives more rainfall at 26.1" per year compared to 14.1" in Hamilton.