Helena, MT vs Kalispell, MT

Helena, MT and Kalispell, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Helena scores 93 while Kalispell scores 95 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Helena is $1,058/month compared to $1,019/month in Kalispell — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Kalispell has cheaper rent, Helena actually has lower median home values ($355,100 vs $381,400).

Median household income in Helena is $69,341 compared to $61,590 in Kalispell (+12.6%). Helena offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Helena spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.9% in Kalispell.

Climate-wise, Helena is notably warmer with an average of 45.5°F compared to 39.5°F in Kalispell. Kalispell receives more rainfall at 26.1" per year compared to 11.4" in Helena.