Compare Montana vs Utah Paychecks
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Tax analysis shows 6.75% in Montana versus 4.85% in Utah, working out to about $1,615 annually for $85,000 earners. Utah balances this with outdoor recreation. Whether that $1,615 outweighs Montana's edge in quality of life varies by individual priorities.
Montana charges 6.75% while Utah sits at 4.85%. For $85,000 earners, that difference translates to approximately $1,615 per year. It's a meaningful gap, though hardly the only consideration in a state-to-state comparison.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Montana at 6.75% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $85,000): Utah saves you ~$1,615
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Montana | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1% - 6.75% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,550
Take Home: $38,450
+$390
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,325
Take Home: $57,675
+$585
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,875
Take Home: $96,125
+$975
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | Montana costs split dramatically by location. Bozeman has seen explosive growth - median home prices now often exceed $600,000-700,000, comparable to expensive metros. Missoula and areas near Yellowstone also command premium pricing. Billings and Great Falls offer substantially better value with homes often available for $250,000-350,000. Rural Montana delivers genuine affordability. Property taxes stay relatively low. No sales tax provides meaningful savings. Heating costs run high during severe winters. The transformation means desirable Montana locations now require six-figure incomes for comfortable living, while traditional Montana towns retain affordability. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Montana
✓ Advantages
- No sales tax
- Beautiful natural scenery
- Outdoor recreation
- Lower population density
⚠ Considerations
- Lower average salaries
- Limited job market
- Very cold winters
- Remote locations
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
From a tax standpoint, Utah delivers about $1,615 more take-home at $85,000. Montana compensates through outdoor recreation, keeping it competitive for certain demographics. nature lovers tend to choose Utah, while skiers populations often lean toward Montana despite higher taxes.📢 Share This Comparison
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