Illinois
High tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 9 categories
Montana
Low tax burden · COL index 104
Wins 8 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).
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Category wins
9
Illinois
8
Montana
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Why are people moving away from Montana?
Is Montana cheaper than Illinois?
Illinois is 0.6% more expensive than Montana. The cost of transportation, childcare, and entertainment and sports in Illinois are more expensive than in Montana. Expenses including restaurants, housing, clothing, and groceries are lower in Illinois.
What are the pros and cons of living in Montana?
What are the pros and cons of living in Illinois?