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Lincoln, MT vs Townsend, MT

79
Lincoln
Montana
VS
-0.5%
79
Townsend
Montana

Lincoln, MT and Townsend, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.5% difference in their overall index. Lincoln scores 79 while Townsend scores 79 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lincoln is $764/month compared to $976/month in Townsend — a 22% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lincoln has cheaper rent, Townsend actually has lower median home values ($212,800 vs $286,200).

Median household income in Lincoln is $45,912 compared to $70,774 in Townsend (-35.1%). While Townsend is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lincoln spend roughly 20% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Townsend.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43°F vs 45.5°F). Lincoln receives more rainfall at 12.1" per year compared to 11.4" in Townsend.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lincoln
79
1% cheaper
Townsend
79
Median Household Income
Lincoln
$45,912
Townsend
$70,774
35% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Lincoln
$764
22% cheaper
Townsend
$976
Median Home Value
Lincoln
$286,200
Townsend
$212,800
26% cheaper
Population
Lincoln
868
Townsend
2,232

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Lincoln 43°F
Townsend 45.5°F
Summer High
Lincoln 86°F
Townsend 86°F
Winter Low
Lincoln 13°F
Townsend 14°F
Rainfall
Lincoln 12.1"
Townsend 11.4"
Rainy Days
Lincoln 103d
Townsend 91d