Illinois
High tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 8 categories
Montana
Low tax burden · COL index 104
Wins 5 categories
Cost of living in Montana (index 104) runs 13% higher than Illinois (index 92). Property taxes are meaningfully different: Illinois averages 1.73% annually vs Montana's 0.58%. The median home in Montana costs $450K vs $275K in Illinois. Politically, Montana voted Republican in 2024 (R+13.0) while Illinois went Democratic (D+14.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Illinois
5
Montana
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Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Why are people moving from Montana?
Is Illinois considered a good place to live?
Its economy is anchored by industries like manufacturing, logistics, technology, health care, and education, while many school districts and universities rank among the best in the region. Whether you're drawn to an active downtown or a quiet, well-managed neighborhood, Illinois has something to offer for everyone.
What are the pros and cons of living in Montana?
Where are most people moving to Montana from?
Of the 35,900 people moving to Montana from another state between 2023 and 2024, 32.1% came from three states: California (+4,900 residents), Washington state (+3,600), and Colorado (+3,000).