Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Great Falls, MT?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 13.2% more expensive than Great Falls, MT. This translates to spending an extra $992 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Great Falls, MT?

If you earn $150,000 in Great Falls, MT, you'd need approximately $161,906.521 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Great Falls, MT and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 39.6% more expensive than in Great Falls, MT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,052/month in Great Falls, MT.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $992 more per month than Great Falls, MT, or $11907 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Great Falls, MT vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $992/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$992

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.9K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$414K

Great Falls, MT

The Treasure State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Great Falls, MT vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Great Falls, MT	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,997/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $791more	39.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,822/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $333less	18.3%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$589/mo	↓ $219less	27.1%
📦Other	$1,478/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $200more	13.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$963/mo	↓ $93.78less	8.9%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$561/mo	↑ $90.19more	19.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 39.6%

Great Falls, MT

$1,997

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$791

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.3%

Great Falls, MT

$1,822

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$333

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.1%

Great Falls, MT

$807

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$219

less

📦Other

↑ 13.5%

Great Falls, MT

$1,478

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$200

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.9%

Great Falls, MT

$1,057

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$93.78

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.1%

Great Falls, MT

$471

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$90.19

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$783

To$1,390

↑ $607

1 Bed

From$799

To$1,510

↑ $711

2 Bed

From$1,052

To$1,750

↑ $698

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,330

↑ $870

Great Falls, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,090/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$436

Difference

Home Values

Great Falls

Phoenix

$317K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +4.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +59%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$279K - $380K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 31% more expensive than Great Falls

Calculate payment - Great Falls Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$361

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Great Falls, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.