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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Helena, MT โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.9K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.4K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 24.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,867
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$22.4K
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

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:125
Median Home:$513K

Helena, MT

The Treasure State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Montana, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Helena, MT vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 68.3%
Helena, MT
$1,930
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,319
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 24.3%
Helena, MT
$1,428
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$347
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†“ 17.0%
Helena, MT
$1,760
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$299
less
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 20.4%
Helena, MT
$793
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$161
less
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 12.1%
Helena, MT
$463
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$56.10
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†“ 1.0%
Helena, MT
$1,039
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$9.90
less

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

Helena, MT has no local income tax.

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

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,001
To$1,720
โ†‘ $719
1 Bed
From$1,158
To$1,840
โ†‘ $682
2 Bed
From$1,450
To$2,190
โ†‘ $740
3 Bed
From$1,982
To$2,870
โ†‘ $888
Helena, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310โ€“$1,630/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,251
Difference

Home Values

Helena
Denver
$466K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +2.5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +46.9%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$422K - $509K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 10% more expensive than Helena

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $3.0K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$247
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.0%
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

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

Helena, MT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%
Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก 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
Denver
38 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
76.5%
Good Air Days
35.2%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
95 High
๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
23 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
23 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Montana and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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