Montpelier, ID vs Preston, ID

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Montpelier is 16.1% cheaper than Preston. With a cost index of 67 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Montpelier to Preston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Montpelier is $639/month compared to $794/month in Preston — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montpelier is more affordable at $185,600 median vs $280,500.

Median household income in Montpelier is $52,212 compared to $55,625 in Preston (-6.1%). Preston 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 Montpelier spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Preston.