Hays, MT vs Red Lodge, MT

The cost of living difference between Hays, MT and Red Lodge, MT is dramatic. Hays is 37.4% cheaper than Red Lodge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hays has a cost index of 54 while Red Lodge sits at 87, 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 $805/month in Red Lodge — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $374,900.

Median household income in Hays is $57,875 compared to $43,857 in Red Lodge (+32%). 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 22% in Red Lodge.

Climate-wise, Red Lodge is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 43.6°F in Hays. Red Lodge receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 11.8" in Hays.