← All comparisons
Montana vs West Virginia: taxes, cost of living, laws
Montana
Low tax burden · COL index 104
Wins 6 categories
VS
West Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 82
Wins 10 categories
Cost of living in Montana (index 104) runs 27% higher than West Virginia (index 82). The median home in Montana costs $450K vs $155K in West Virginia.
Taxes
5.9%
Income Tax (top rate)
5.12%
0.58%/yr
Property Tax Rate
0.57%/yr
None
Sales Tax (avg)
6.37%
No
Social Security Tax
Yes
Yes
Estate Tax
Yes
4.1%
Capital Gains Tax
As income
Housing & Cost of Living
104
COL Index (100=avg)
82
$450K
Median Home Price
$155K
$1,450/mo
Median Rent (2BR/mo)
$900/mo
$2K/yr
Home Insurance (avg/yr)
$1K/yr
Crime & Safety
398
Violent Crime / 100K
278
2,298
Property Crime / 100K
1,380
281
Sex Offenders / 100K
356
177
Homeless / 100K
101
Healthcare
#30 of 50
Healthcare Quality Rank
#46 of 50
76.5 yrs
Life Expectancy
71.9 yrs
9.2%
Uninsured Rate
6.6%
Yes
Medicaid Expansion
Yes
Education
#22 of 50
K-12 Quality Rank
#49 of 50
No
School Choice / Vouchers
Yes
Childcare
$1,150/mo
Avg Infant Care / mo
$850/mo
Utilities & Daily Costs
$115/mo
Avg Energy Bill / mo
$125/mo
$510/mo
Avg Groceries / mo
$400/mo
#16 of 50
Road Quality Rank
#45 of 50
Social Policy
F
Gun Laws Grade
F
R+13.0
2024 Presidential Margin
R+36.0
Category wins
6
Montana
10
West Virginia
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is moving to West Virginia a good idea?
Why are people moving away from West Virginia?
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Virginia?
Is it a good idea to live in Montana?