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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 Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $165.5K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 17.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,288
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$15.5K
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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:117
Median Home:$414K

Helena, MT

The Treasure State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

🏠Housing
↑ 44.5%
Helena, MT
$1,930
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$859
more
🚗Transportation
↓ 15.4%
Helena, MT
$1,760
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$271
less
📦Other
↑ 17.5%
Helena, MT
$1,428
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$249
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 25.8%
Helena, MT
$793
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$205
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 21.2%
Helena, MT
$463
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$98.17
more
🛒Groceries
↓ 7.3%
Helena, MT
$1,039
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$75.85
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,001
To$1,390
↑ $389
1 Bed
From$1,158
To$1,510
↑ $352
2 Bed
From$1,450
To$1,750
↑ $300
3 Bed
From$1,982
To$2,330
↑ $348
Helena, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,630/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.

$7,414
Monthly in Helena, MT
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$654
Difference

Home Values

Helena
Phoenix
$466K
Median Value
$414K
↑ +2.5%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +46.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$422K - $509K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 11% less expensive than Helena

Calculate payment - HelenaCalculate 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

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

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

Helena, 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.

Environment

Helena
Phoenix
38 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
76.5%
Good Air Days
9%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
100 Very High
💨
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Montana and Arizona 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 Phoenix, AZ

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

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