Hays, MT vs Montana City, MT

The cost of living difference between Hays, MT and Montana City, MT is dramatic. Hays is 51.2% cheaper than Montana City, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hays has a cost index of 54 while Montana City sits at 111, 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 Hays is $550/month compared to $1,206/month in Montana City — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $519,100.

Median household income in Hays is $57,875 compared to $125,223 in Montana City (-53.8%). While Montana City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 11.4% of their income on rent, less than the 11.6% in Montana City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43.6°F vs 45.5°F). Hays receives more rainfall at 11.8" per year compared to 11.4" in Montana City.