Home / Compare / Helena Valley Southeast vs Miles City

Helena Valley Southeast, MT vs Miles City, MT

95
Helena Valley Southeast
Montana
VS
+25%
76
Miles City
Montana

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Miles City is 25% cheaper than Helena Valley Southeast. With a cost index of 76 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Miles City 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 $932/month in Miles City — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Miles City is more affordable at $182,700 median vs $308,000.

Median household income in Helena Valley Southeast is $63,824 compared to $60,732 in Miles City (+5.1%). Helena Valley Southeast does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Helena Valley Southeast spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Miles City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.5°F vs 46.2°F). Miles City receives more rainfall at 12.9" per year compared to 11.4" in Helena Valley Southeast.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Helena Valley Southeast
95
Miles City
76
20% cheaper
Median Household Income
Helena Valley Southeast
$63,824
5% higher
Miles City
$60,732

Housing

Median Rent
Helena Valley Southeast
$1,231
Miles City
$932
24% cheaper
Median Home Value
Helena Valley Southeast
$308,000
Miles City
$182,700
41% cheaper
Population
Helena Valley Southeast
9,533
Miles City
8,412

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Helena Valley Southeast 45.5°F
Miles City 46.2°F
Summer High
Helena Valley Southeast 86°F
Miles City 89°F
Winter Low
Helena Valley Southeast 14°F
Miles City 9°F
Rainfall
Helena Valley Southeast 11.4"
Miles City 12.9"
Rainy Days
Helena Valley Southeast 91d
Miles City 87d