Hardin, MT vs Livingston, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hardin is 27.2% cheaper than Livingston. With a cost index of 66 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hardin to Livingston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hardin is $726/month compared to $987/month in Livingston — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hardin is more affordable at $142,800 median vs $348,700.

Median household income in Hardin is $60,463 compared to $65,187 in Livingston (-7.2%). Livingston 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 Hardin spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in Livingston.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.2°F vs 45.5°F). Livingston receives more rainfall at 14.5" per year compared to 14.3" in Hardin.