Hays, MT vs Townsend, MT

The cost of living difference between Hays, MT and Townsend, MT is dramatic. Hays is 31.5% cheaper than Townsend, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hays has a cost index of 54 while Townsend sits at 79, 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 $976/month in Townsend — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $61,100 median vs $212,800.

Median household income in Hays is $57,875 compared to $70,774 in Townsend (-18.2%). The higher salaries in Townsend partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 11.4% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in Townsend.

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 Townsend.