Heart Butte, MT vs West Yellowstone, MT

The cost of living difference between Heart Butte, MT and West Yellowstone, MT is dramatic. Heart Butte is 49% cheaper than West Yellowstone, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Heart Butte has a cost index of 51 while West Yellowstone sits at 99, 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 Heart Butte is $459/month compared to $1,035/month in West Yellowstone — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Heart Butte is more affordable at $48,800 median vs $402,600.

Median household income in Heart Butte is $28,977 compared to $57,167 in West Yellowstone (-49.3%). While West Yellowstone is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Heart Butte spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 21.7% in West Yellowstone.

Climate-wise, Heart Butte is notably warmer with an average of 41.8°F compared to 32°F in West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone receives more rainfall at 23.1" per year compared to 10.8" in Heart Butte.