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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.3K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $165.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 16.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,271
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$15.2K
Per year

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

Helena, MT

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$466K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:117
Median Home:$558K

Helena, MT

The Treasure State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 34K 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: Helena, MT vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 49.5%
Helena, MT
$1,930
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$955
more
🚗Transportation
↓ 27.1%
Helena, MT
$1,760
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$476
less
📦Other
↑ 21.9%
Helena, MT
$1,428
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$313
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 25.8%
Helena, MT
$793
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$205
less
🛒Groceries
↓ 7.7%
Helena, MT
$1,039
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$79.85
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 16.8%
Helena, MT
$463
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$77.96
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,001
To$1,585
↑ $584
1 Bed
From$1,158
To$1,685
↑ $527
2 Bed
From$1,450
To$1,995
↑ $545
3 Bed
From$1,982
To$2,525
↑ $543
Helena, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,630/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.

$7,414
Monthly in Helena, MT
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$585
Difference

Home Values

Helena
Austin
$466K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +2.5%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +46.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$422K - $509K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 20% more expensive than Helena

Calculate payment - HelenaCalculate 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

Helena, 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
$0
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

Helena, 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.

Environment

Helena
Austin
38 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
76.5%
Good Air Days
42.6%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Montana and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Helena, MT on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $91.74/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $91.74/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

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