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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 $249/month more in San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.0K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 3.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$249
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$3.0K
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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K
Cost Index:103
Median Home:$215K

Helena, MT

The Treasure State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Helena, MT vs San Antonio, TX

🚗Transportation
↓ 26.9%
Helena, MT
$1,760
San Antonio, TX
$1,287
Difference
$474
less
🏥Healthcare
↓ 33.6%
Helena, MT
$793
San Antonio, TX
$527
Difference
$267
less
📦Other
↑ 15.4%
Helena, MT
$1,428
San Antonio, TX
$1,647
Difference
$219
more
🏠Housing
↑ 8.8%
Helena, MT
$1,930
San Antonio, TX
$2,100
Difference
$170
more
🛒Groceries
↓ 12.1%
Helena, MT
$1,039
San Antonio, TX
$913
Difference
$126
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 7.0%
Helena, MT
$463
San Antonio, TX
$496
Difference
$32.60
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,001
To$1,110
↑ $109
1 Bed
From$1,158
To$1,210
↑ $52.00
2 Bed
From$1,450
To$1,470
↑ $20.00
3 Bed
From$1,982
To$1,890
↓ $92.00
Helena, MTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,630/mo

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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
$6,969
Monthly in San Antonio, TX
$444
Difference

Home Values

Helena
San Antonio
$466K
Median Value
$215K
↑ +2.5%
YoY Change
↓ -2.9%
↑ +46.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +16.7%
$422K - $509K
Price Range
$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 54% less expensive than Helena

Calculate payment - HelenaCalculate payment - San Antonio

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

San Antonio, 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%

San Antonio, 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
San Antonio
38 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
76.5%
Good Air Days
47.5%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
99 High
💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.6°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
105 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.6°F
23 days
Heat Days >95°F
105 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 San Antonio, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TXNashville, TNRaleigh, NC

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