Plains, MT vs Shelby, MT

Plains, MT and Shelby, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.9% difference in their overall index. Plains scores 73 while Shelby scores 73 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 Plains is $782/month compared to $769/month in Shelby — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelby is more affordable at $206,000 median vs $209,200.

Median household income in Plains is $24,661 compared to $53,357 in Shelby (-53.8%). Shelby offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Plains spend roughly 38.1% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in Shelby. The Shelby ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Plains is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 41.8°F in Shelby. Plains receives more rainfall at 16.4" per year compared to 10.8" in Shelby.