Is Denver, CO cheaper than Great Falls, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 20.7% more expensive than Great Falls, MT. This translates to spending an extra $1552 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Great Falls, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Great Falls, MT, you'd need approximately $168,621.292 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Great Falls, MT and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 62.7% more expensive than in Great Falls, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,052/month in Great Falls, MT.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1552 more per month than Great Falls, MT, or $18621 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Great Falls, MT vs Denver, CO: 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 $1.6K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.6K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 20.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,552

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.6K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:121

Median Home:$513K

Great Falls, MT

The Treasure State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Great Falls, MT vs Denver, CO

Category	Great Falls, MT	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,997/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,251more	62.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,822/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $360less	19.8%
📦Other	$1,478/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $297more	20.1%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$632/mo	↓ $175less	21.7%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$519/mo	↑ $48.11more	10.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $27.82less	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 62.7%

Great Falls, MT

$1,997

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,251

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.8%

Great Falls, MT

$1,822

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$360

less

📦Other

↑ 20.1%

Great Falls, MT

$1,478

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$297

🏥Healthcare

↓ 21.7%

Great Falls, MT

$807

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$175

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.2%

Great Falls, MT

$471

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$48.11

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Great Falls, MT

$1,057

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$27.82

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Great Falls, MT has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$783

To$1,720

↑ $937

1 Bed

From$799

To$1,840

↑ $1,041

2 Bed

From$1,052

To$2,190

↑ $1,138

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,870

↑ $1,410

Great Falls, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,090/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,033

Difference

Home Values

Great Falls

Denver

$317K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +4.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +59%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$279K - $380K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 62% more expensive than Great Falls

Calculate payment - Great Falls Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$247

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Great Falls, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.