Libby, MT vs Philipsburg, MT
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Libby is 15.3% cheaper than Philipsburg. With a cost index of 71 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Libby to Philipsburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Libby is $679/month compared to $871/month in Philipsburg — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Libby is more affordable at $218,500 median vs $304,200.
Median household income in Libby is $39,261 compared to $40,096 in Philipsburg (-2.1%). Philipsburg 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 Libby spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Philipsburg.
Climate-wise, Philipsburg is notably warmer with an average of 43°F compared to 38.6°F in Libby. Libby receives more rainfall at 45.1" per year compared to 12.1" in Philipsburg.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)