Hays, MT vs St. Regis, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hays is 28.2% cheaper than St. Regis. With a cost index of 54 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hays to St. Regis should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hays is $550/month compared to $908/month in St. Regis — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $186,100.

Median household income in Hays is $57,875 compared to $50,833 in St. Regis (+13.9%). 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 21.4% in St. Regis.

Climate-wise, St. Regis is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 43.6°F in Hays. St. Regis receives more rainfall at 16.4" per year compared to 11.8" in Hays.