Hays, MT vs Stevensville, MT

The cost of living difference between Hays, MT and Stevensville, MT is dramatic. Hays is 40.3% cheaper than Stevensville, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hays has a cost index of 54 while Stevensville sits at 91, 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 $1,013/month in Stevensville — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $336,500.

Median household income in Hays is $57,875 compared to $52,745 in Stevensville (+9.7%). 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 23% in Stevensville.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43.6°F vs 45.2°F). Stevensville receives more rainfall at 14.1" per year compared to 11.8" in Hays.