Hays, MT vs North Browning, MT

Hays is moderately more affordable than North Browning, with a 7.5% lower cost of living index. Hays scores 54 compared to 59 for North Browning, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of North Browning can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hays is $550/month compared to $505/month in North Browning — a 9% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while North Browning has cheaper rent, Hays actually has lower median home values ($61,100 vs $131,300).

Median household income in Hays is $57,875 compared to $40,813 in North Browning (+41.8%). Hays offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 11.4% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in North Browning.

Climate-wise, Hays is notably warmer with an average of 43.6°F compared to 39.5°F in North Browning. North Browning receives more rainfall at 26.1" per year compared to 11.8" in Hays.