Is Austin, TX cheaper than Great Falls, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.0% more expensive than Great Falls, MT. This translates to spending an extra $976 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Great Falls, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Great Falls, MT, you'd need approximately $161,709.028 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Great Falls, MT and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.4% more expensive than in Great Falls, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,052/month in Great Falls, MT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Great Falls, MT to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $976 more per month than Great Falls, MT, or $11709 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Great Falls, MT vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Great Falls, MT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Great Falls, MT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $976/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$976

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Great Falls, MT

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$317K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$558K

Great Falls, MT

The Treasure State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 60K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Great Falls, MT vs Austin, TX

Category	Great Falls, MT	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,997/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $888more	44.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,822/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $538less	29.5%
📦Other	$1,478/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $263more	17.8%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$589/mo	↓ $219less	27.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$959/mo	↓ $97.77less	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$541/mo	↑ $69.97more	14.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.4%

Great Falls, MT

$1,997

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$888

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.5%

Great Falls, MT

$1,822

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$538

less

📦Other

↑ 17.8%

Great Falls, MT

$1,478

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$263

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.1%

Great Falls, MT

$807

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$219

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.2%

Great Falls, MT

$1,057

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$97.77

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.9%

Great Falls, MT

$471

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$69.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$783

To$1,585

↑ $802

1 Bed

From$799

To$1,685

↑ $886

2 Bed

From$1,052

To$1,995

↑ $943

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,525

↑ $1,065

Great Falls, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,090/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,631

Monthly in Great Falls, MT

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$367

Difference

Home Values

Great Falls

Austin

$317K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +4.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +59%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$279K - $380K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 76% more expensive than Great Falls

Calculate payment - Great Falls Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$797

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

Rate difference

Great Falls, MT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Montana State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.1%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,618/month

$103.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Great Falls, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.