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Red Lodge, MT vs Vaughn, MT

87
Red Lodge
Montana
VS
+19.7%
73
Vaughn
Montana

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Vaughn is 19.7% cheaper than Red Lodge. With a cost index of 73 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Vaughn to Red Lodge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Red Lodge is $805/month compared to $865/month in Vaughn — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Red Lodge has cheaper rent, Vaughn actually has lower median home values ($165,600 vs $374,900).

Median household income in Red Lodge is $43,857 compared to $54,250 in Vaughn (-19.2%). Vaughn offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Red Lodge spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in Vaughn.

Climate-wise, Red Lodge is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 44.6°F in Vaughn. Vaughn receives more rainfall at 14.8" per year compared to 14.3" in Red Lodge.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Red Lodge
87
Vaughn
73
16% cheaper
Median Household Income
Red Lodge
$43,857
Vaughn
$54,250
19% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Red Lodge
$805
7% cheaper
Vaughn
$865
Median Home Value
Red Lodge
$374,900
Vaughn
$165,600
56% cheaper
Population
Red Lodge
2,399
Vaughn
970

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Red Lodge $2.96
Vaughn $2.96
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Red Lodge $2.41
Vaughn $2.41
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Red Lodge $3.88
Vaughn $3.88
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Red Lodge $1.79
Vaughn $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Red Lodge $4.00
Vaughn $4.00
US $4.14
Electricity
Red Lodge $0.14
Vaughn $0.14
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Red Lodge 48.2°F
Vaughn 44.6°F
Summer High
Red Lodge 87°F
Vaughn 84°F
Winter Low
Red Lodge 18°F
Vaughn 15°F
Rainfall
Red Lodge 14.3"
Vaughn 14.8"
Rainy Days
Red Lodge 97d
Vaughn 98d