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Lincoln, MT vs Manhattan, MT

79
Lincoln
Montana
VS
-36.4%
124
Manhattan
Montana

The cost of living difference between Lincoln, MT and Manhattan, MT is dramatic. Lincoln is 36.4% cheaper than Manhattan, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lincoln has a cost index of 79 while Manhattan sits at 124, 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 Lincoln is $764/month compared to $1,700/month in Manhattan — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lincoln is more affordable at $286,200 median vs $460,400.

Median household income in Lincoln is $45,912 compared to $69,671 in Manhattan (-34.1%). The higher salaries in Manhattan partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Lincoln spend roughly 20% of their income on rent, less than the 29.3% in Manhattan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43°F vs 43°F). Manhattan receives more rainfall at 13.4" per year compared to 12.1" in Lincoln.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lincoln
79
36% cheaper
Manhattan
124
Median Household Income
Lincoln
$45,912
Manhattan
$69,671
34% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Lincoln
$764
55% cheaper
Manhattan
$1,700
Median Home Value
Lincoln
$286,200
38% cheaper
Manhattan
$460,400
Population
Lincoln
868
Manhattan
2,149

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Lincoln 43°F
Manhattan 43°F
Summer High
Lincoln 86°F
Manhattan 85°F
Winter Low
Lincoln 13°F
Manhattan 10°F
Rainfall
Lincoln 12.1"
Manhattan 13.4"
Rainy Days
Lincoln 103d
Manhattan 107d