Helena Valley Southeast, MT vs Lockwood, MT
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lockwood is 15.1% cheaper than Helena Valley Southeast. With a cost index of 82 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lockwood to Helena Valley Southeast should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Helena Valley Southeast is $1,231/month compared to $995/month in Lockwood — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lockwood is more affordable at $250,900 median vs $308,000.
Median household income in Helena Valley Southeast is $63,824 compared to $74,451 in Lockwood (-14.3%). Lockwood 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 Valley Southeast spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, more than the 16% in Lockwood.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.5°F vs 48.2°F). Lockwood receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 11.4" in Helena Valley Southeast.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)