Harlowton, MT vs Shelby, MT

Harlowton, MT and Shelby, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.2% difference in their overall index. Harlowton scores 71 while Shelby scores 73 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 Harlowton is $766/month compared to $769/month in Shelby — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harlowton is more affordable at $178,800 median vs $206,000.

Median household income in Harlowton is $53,750 compared to $53,357 in Shelby (+0.7%). Harlowton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Harlowton spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.3% in Shelby.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (40.6°F vs 41.8°F). Harlowton receives more rainfall at 16.8" per year compared to 10.8" in Shelby.