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Helena Valley Northwest, MT vs Ronan, MT

111
Helena Valley Northwest
Montana
VS
+51.8%
73
Ronan
Montana

The cost of living difference between Helena Valley Northwest, MT and Ronan, MT is dramatic. Ronan is 51.8% cheaper than Helena Valley Northwest, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Helena Valley Northwest has a cost index of 111 while Ronan sits at 73, 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 Helena Valley Northwest is $1,640/month compared to $798/month in Ronan — a 106% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ronan is more affordable at $201,700 median vs $358,600.

Median household income in Helena Valley Northwest is $101,278 compared to $41,429 in Ronan (+144.5%). While Helena Valley Northwest is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Helena Valley Northwest spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 23.1% in Ronan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.5°F vs 45.2°F). Ronan receives more rainfall at 14.1" per year compared to 11.4" in Helena Valley Northwest.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Helena Valley Northwest
111
Ronan
73
34% cheaper
Median Household Income
Helena Valley Northwest
$101,278
59% higher
Ronan
$41,429

Housing

Median Rent
Helena Valley Northwest
$1,640
Ronan
$798
51% cheaper
Median Home Value
Helena Valley Northwest
$358,600
Ronan
$201,700
44% cheaper
Population
Helena Valley Northwest
5,070
Ronan
1,962

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Helena Valley Northwest $2.96
Ronan
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Helena Valley Northwest $2.41
Ronan
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Helena Valley Northwest $3.88
Ronan
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Helena Valley Northwest $1.79
Ronan
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Helena Valley Northwest $4.00
Ronan
US $4.14
Electricity
Helena Valley Northwest $0.14
Ronan
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Helena Valley Northwest 45.5°F
Ronan 45.2°F
Summer High
Helena Valley Northwest 86°F
Ronan 85°F
Winter Low
Helena Valley Northwest 14°F
Ronan 18°F
Rainfall
Helena Valley Northwest 11.4"
Ronan 14.1"
Rainy Days
Helena Valley Northwest 91d
Ronan 124d