Plains, MT vs Wolf Point, MT
Wolf Point is moderately more affordable than Plains, with a 13.1% lower cost of living index. Plains scores 73 compared to 65 for Wolf Point, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Plains can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.
On the housing front, median rent in Plains is $782/month compared to $730/month in Wolf Point — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wolf Point is more affordable at $124,600 median vs $209,200.
Median household income in Plains is $24,661 compared to $48,750 in Wolf Point (-49.4%). Wolf Point 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 18% in Wolf Point. The Wolf Point 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 43°F in Wolf Point. Plains receives more rainfall at 16.4" per year compared to 12.2" in Wolf Point.
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Housing
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)