Marion, MT vs Shelby, MT

The cost of living difference between Marion, MT and Shelby, MT is dramatic. Shelby is 41.5% cheaper than Marion, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Marion has a cost index of 103 while Shelby sits at 73, 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.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Marion are $370,900 compared to $206,000 in Shelby, a 80% gap.

Median household income in Marion is $52,105 compared to $53,357 in Shelby (-2.3%). Shelby offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power.

Climate-wise, Shelby is notably warmer with an average of 41.8°F compared to 38.6°F in Marion. Marion receives more rainfall at 45.1" per year compared to 10.8" in Shelby.