Hot Springs, MT vs West Glacier, MT

The cost of living difference between Hot Springs, MT and West Glacier, MT is dramatic. Hot Springs is 37.3% cheaper than West Glacier, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hot Springs has a cost index of 65 while West Glacier sits at 103, 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 Hot Springs is $683/month compared to $800/month in West Glacier — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hot Springs is more affordable at $139,100 median vs $565,500.

Median household income in Hot Springs is $21,319 compared to $87,344 in West Glacier (-75.6%). While West Glacier is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hot Springs spend roughly 38.4% of their income on rent, more than the 11% in West Glacier. The West Glacier ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Hot Springs is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 39.5°F in West Glacier. West Glacier receives more rainfall at 26.1" per year compared to 16.4" in Hot Springs.