Polson, MT vs West Glendive, MT
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. West Glendive is 21.6% cheaper than Polson. With a cost index of 71 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from West Glendive to Polson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Polson is $921/month compared to $794/month in West Glendive — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Glendive is more affordable at $179,700 median vs $321,000.
Median household income in Polson is $51,463 compared to $57,743 in West Glendive (-10.9%). West Glendive offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Polson spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in West Glendive.
Climate-wise, Polson is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 43.5°F in West Glendive. Polson receives more rainfall at 16.4" per year compared to 14.6" in West Glendive.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)