Montana vs Wyoming Cost Calculator
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Wyoming has no state income tax and lower property taxes (avg. 0.6%), while Montana has higher land costs in popular areas but better infrastructure.
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When you’re looking to buy land and build a home from scratch, the real question isn’t just about the price of the plot-it’s about what happens after you sign the papers. You’ve got to pay for utilities, insurance, property taxes, groceries, and maybe even a snowplow in January. So when people ask if it’s cheaper to live in Montana or Wyoming, they’re really asking: Where can I get more land for less money and still keep my budget intact?
Land Prices: What You Get for Your Dollar
On paper, Wyoming looks like the winner. A 10-acre parcel in rural Sweetwater County might run you $35,000. In Montana, the same size plot near Missoula or Bozeman? You’re looking at $80,000 or more. That’s nearly double. But here’s the catch: Montana’s cheaper land isn’t gone-it’s just farther out. Head to the eastern plains near Sidney or Glasgow, and you’ll find 20-acre tracts for under $40,000. Wyoming’s low prices are real, but they come with trade-offs: fewer services, longer drives to hospitals, and less infrastructure.
Property taxes tell another story. Wyoming has no state income tax, and property taxes are capped at 1.5% of market value. In Montana, property taxes hover around 0.8% to 1.1%, but the state has a higher median home value, which means your actual tax bill can be higher. A $200,000 home in Wyoming might cost $3,000 in annual property tax. The same home in Montana? Around $1,800. That’s lower-but only if you’re buying a modest home. If you’re building a 3,000-square-foot cabin on five acres, you’re looking at $5,000+ in taxes in Montana, and $3,500 in Wyoming.
Utilities: The Hidden Cost
Both states have rural areas where you’ll need a well and a septic system. That’s $15,000 to $25,000 upfront, no matter where you go. But after that? Electricity costs differ. Montana’s average electric rate is 11.5 cents per kWh. Wyoming? 10.2 cents. That might not sound like much, but over a year, a household using 800 kWh monthly saves about $110 just on electricity. Add in propane for heating-common in both states-and you’re looking at $1,200 to $2,000 a year, depending on insulation and winter severity.
Internet is another factor. Wyoming’s rural broadband coverage is improving, but in places like Sublette County, you might still rely on satellite. That’s $70-$100 a month with data caps. Montana’s larger towns like Helena and Great Falls have fiber options starting at $50/month. If you work remotely or stream video, that’s a real cost difference.
Healthcare and Insurance: Don’t Skip This
Neither state has universal healthcare access in remote areas. In Wyoming, the nearest hospital might be 60 miles away. In Montana, you’ll find more clinics even in smaller towns, but specialist care still requires travel to Billings or Missoula. Health insurance premiums are similar-around $500/month for a family plan-but out-of-pocket costs spike when you need emergency transport. Wyoming has fewer ambulance services, and rural medevac flights cost $12,000-$25,000. Montana’s system is better funded, but not cheap.
Homeowners insurance? Wyoming wins again. Average annual premium: $1,100. Montana: $1,500. Why? More wildfires. Montana had over 1,200 wildfires in 2024, burning more than 1.1 million acres. Wyoming had 480 fires, mostly in the southwest. That’s a 150% higher risk in Montana, and insurers charge accordingly.
Food, Gas, and Daily Life
Groceries are more expensive in both states than the national average, but Montana’s are about 8% higher. A gallon of milk costs $4.20 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In Missoula, it’s $4.95. A dozen eggs? $3.80 vs. $4.60. Gas prices are almost identical-$3.40-$3.70 per gallon-but Wyoming has no state sales tax, so everything you buy at the store is cheaper. In Montana, sales tax is 5.9% on average. That $50 grocery bill? It’s $53 in Montana, $50 in Wyoming.
Even small things add up. A haircut in Cody, Wyoming? $25. In Bozeman? $45. A movie ticket? $10 in Laramie, $14 in Helena. You might not think these matter, but if you’re living on a fixed income or building a business from scratch, every dollar counts.
Building a Home: Materials and Labor
Building costs are surprisingly close. In 2025, the average cost to build a 2,000-square-foot home in Wyoming is $215 per square foot. In Montana, it’s $220. But here’s the twist: labor shortages hit Montana harder. You’ll wait 6-8 months for a contractor in Kalispell. In Casper, Wyoming, you’re looking at 3-5 months. And if you need a custom design? Wyoming’s building codes are simpler, and permits are faster. Montana’s are stricter, especially near national parks. That means more paperwork, more delays, and more fees.
Permit fees tell the story. In Yellowstone County, Montana, you’ll pay $2,500 for a residential building permit. In Natrona County, Wyoming? $1,200. That’s $1,300 saved before you even lay a foundation.
Who Wins? It Depends on Your Priorities
If your goal is to buy the most land for the least money and keep taxes low, Wyoming wins. You can get 40 acres for under $100,000, pay under $2,000 a year in property tax, and never pay state income tax. The trade-off? Fewer amenities, longer drives, and less access to services.
If you want more infrastructure, better internet, and easier access to healthcare-even if it costs a bit more-Montana’s eastern and central regions offer a better balance. You’ll pay more for land and insurance, but you’ll save time, stress, and possibly money in the long run.
Here’s a simple rule: If you’re young, healthy, and don’t mind being isolated, Wyoming is the better deal. If you’re planning to retire, work remotely, or have kids, Montana’s towns offer more support-even if it costs 15-20% more upfront.
Real Example: Two Buyers, Two Choices
Meet Sarah, 42, a graphic designer who moved from Colorado. She bought 25 acres near Dillon, Montana, for $95,000. Her annual costs: $2,100 in property tax, $1,800 in insurance, $1,400 in propane, $700 in internet, and $6,200 in groceries. Total: $12,200/year.
Then there’s Mark, 58, a retired mechanic. He bought 30 acres near Rock Springs, Wyoming, for $68,000. His annual costs: $1,000 in property tax, $1,100 in insurance, $1,300 in propane, $800 in satellite internet, and $5,400 in groceries. Total: $9,600/year.
Mark saves $2,600 a year. But Sarah has fiber internet, a clinic 15 minutes away, and a community of other remote workers. Mark has to drive 45 minutes for a doctor’s appointment and waits 10 weeks for a mechanic to fix his truck.
There’s no single answer. It’s about what you’re willing to trade.
Final Tip: Visit Before You Buy
Don’t rely on online listings. Drive the roads in January. See how deep the snow gets. Ask neighbors how often the power goes out. Check the water quality report from the county. Talk to the county assessor’s office about future development plans. A plot that looks cheap now might be next to a planned solar farm or oil well. Wyoming’s land laws are more permissive for mineral rights. Montana’s are stricter-but that means more protection for you.
If you’re serious about building a life on the land, spend a month living there first. Rent a cabin. See how you feel after three weeks without a grocery store. That’s the real cost of living-not the price tag on the deed.
Is it cheaper to buy land in Wyoming or Montana?
Wyoming is generally cheaper for land. You can buy larger plots for less-often under $40,000 for 20 acres in rural areas. Montana’s land prices are higher, especially near towns and national parks, but you’ll find better deals in the eastern plains. Property taxes are lower in Wyoming, and there’s no state income tax, which adds up over time.
Which state has lower property taxes?
Wyoming has lower property taxes on average. The state caps property tax at 1.5% of market value, and the median effective rate is around 0.6%. Montana’s average is 0.9% to 1.1%. However, because Montana homes often cost more, your actual tax bill might be higher there. For a $200,000 home, Wyoming’s tax is about $1,200; Montana’s is closer to $1,800.
Are utilities more expensive in Montana or Wyoming?
Electricity is slightly cheaper in Wyoming (10.2 cents/kWh vs. 11.5 cents/kWh in Montana). But internet and propane costs are similar. The bigger difference is access: Wyoming has more areas with only satellite internet ($70-$100/month), while Montana offers more fiber options in towns. If you need reliable internet, Montana gives you better choices.
Which state has fewer natural disasters?
Wyoming has fewer wildfires and less severe weather overall. In 2024, Montana had over 1,200 wildfires, while Wyoming had 480. Montana also has more frequent flooding in river valleys and higher snowfall in mountain areas. Wyoming’s terrain is drier and less prone to large-scale fires, making homeowners insurance cheaper and risk lower.
Can I build a home cheaper in Wyoming or Montana?
Construction costs are nearly the same-$215-$220 per square foot. But Wyoming wins on speed and paperwork. Permits take less time, building codes are simpler, and contractors are easier to hire. Montana has stricter rules near protected areas, longer wait times, and higher permit fees ($2,500 vs. $1,200 in Wyoming). If you want to build fast and with fewer delays, Wyoming is easier.
Which state is better for retirees?
Montana is better for retirees who value access to healthcare, community services, and reliable internet. Towns like Missoula, Helena, and Bozeman have clinics, pharmacies, and senior centers. Wyoming’s towns are smaller and farther apart. If you need regular doctor visits or emergency care, Montana’s infrastructure gives you more security-even if it costs more.
Do I need to worry about mineral rights in either state?
Yes. In Wyoming, mineral rights are often owned separately from surface rights. That means a company could drill or mine under your land-even if you own the surface. Montana has stronger surface protection laws, but mineral rights can still be sold off. Always check the deed and ask for a mineral rights report before buying. If the land has oil, gas, or coal rights, it could affect your peace of mind-and your property value.
Next Steps: What to Do Now
If you’re serious about buying land in either state, start here:
- Visit the county assessor’s website for both Montana and Wyoming. Look up recent sales in the areas you’re interested in.
- Call the local building department. Ask about permit timelines, fees, and any restrictions on septic systems or well depth.
- Drive the area in winter. See how snowplows operate, if roads stay open, and if cell service works.
- Ask neighbors about utility reliability. Do they have generators? How often does the power go out?
- Get a land survey and mineral rights report before signing anything.
Don’t rush. The cheapest land isn’t always the best deal. The right land is the one that fits your life-not just your budget.
