CostIndexUSA

Bozeman, MT vs Washington, DC Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableMT
Bozeman
102.5
overall index
$2,100/mo rent
DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent

Bozeman is moderately cheaper than Washington — 6.2% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Bozeman, you would need $85,000 in Washington. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+8.5%
Bozeman
139.2
Washington
151.1
🛒 Groceries+9.2%
Bozeman
96
Washington
104.8
🚗 Transportation+3.6%
Bozeman
103.7
Washington
107.4
🏥 Healthcare+3.6%
Bozeman
93.8
Washington
97.2
Utilities+45.0%
Bozeman
73.6
Washington
106.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Bozeman to see what you'd need to earn in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$85,000
$5,000 more needed in Washington

Formula: salary × (108.9 ÷ 102.5) = salary × 1.0624. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Bozeman, MT

Median Home Price
$678,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,100
Housing Index
139.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.9×

Washington, DC

Median Home Price
$567,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
151.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3×

Washington has 8.5% higher housing costs compared to Bozeman.

Income & Job Market

Bozeman, MT

Median Household Income
$91,200
Per Capita Income
$52,000
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Population
53,293
Top Industries
EducationTechnologyTourismHealthcareAgriculture

Washington, DC

Median Household Income
$121,500
Per Capita Income
$69,300
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
689,545
Top Industries
GovernmentFinanceTechnologyHealthcareDefense

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Bozeman, MT
3.6×income-to-rent ratio

72% of income left after rent (median)

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.