Laurel, MT vs Libby, MT

Libby is moderately more affordable than Laurel, with a 11.9% lower cost of living index. Laurel scores 80 compared to 71 for Libby, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Laurel can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Laurel is $953/month compared to $679/month in Libby — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Libby is more affordable at $218,500 median vs $232,700.

Median household income in Laurel is $66,382 compared to $39,261 in Libby (+69.1%). While Laurel is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Laurel spend roughly 17.2% of their income on rent, less than the 20.8% in Libby.

Climate-wise, Laurel is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 38.6°F in Libby. Libby receives more rainfall at 45.1" per year compared to 14.3" in Laurel.