đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Great Falls and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Great Falls vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Great Falls | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,934 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $299,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $163 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $745 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 100.0 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.3 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 469.8 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Showdown: Los Angeles vs. Great Falls
By Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist
Alright, let’s cut the fluff. You’re trying to decide between two cities that are about as different as a Hollywood blockbuster and a Montana sunset. On one side, you have the sprawling, high-octane energy of Los Angeles, the city of dreams (and traffic). On the other, Great Falls, Montana—the "Electric City" of the Great Plains, offering wide-open skies and a pace of life that feels like a deep breath of fresh air.
This isn't just about geography; it's a lifestyle choice. Are you chasing the spotlight or seeking a sanctuary? Let’s break down the numbers, the vibes, and the real-world trade-offs to help you land where you belong.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
Los Angeles is the ultimate high-stakes, high-reward ecosystem. It’s a city of transplants, dreamers, and hustlers. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and incredibly diverse. You can find a world-class museum, a hole-in-the-wall taco stand, and a celebrity sighting all in the same afternoon. It’s a city that rewards grit and hustle, but it demands a lot in return. Think of it as a 24/7 global marketplace for talent, ideas, and culture. It’s for the go-getters, the creatives, and those who thrive on the buzz of constant possibility.
Great Falls, in stark contrast, is a tight-knit community with a soul rooted in the American West. The pace is deliberate, the people are grounded, and the connection to nature is immediate and profound. Life revolves around the seasons, the Missouri River, and the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front. It’s a city where you know your neighbors, traffic jams are a myth, and a weekend getaway means hiking in the Highwood Mountains or fishing on Giant Springs. This is for those who value community over crowds, serenity over stimulation, and where "rush hour" means you might have to wait two minutes for a train to pass.
Who is it for?
- Los Angeles: The ambitious professional, the entertainment industry hopeful, the foodie, the culture vulture, and anyone who wants to be at the center of the action.
- Great Falls: The outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking space, the family prioritizing a safe and affordable environment, and the retiree looking for a peaceful, low-stress chapter.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road, and the difference is staggering. The "sticker shock" is real in LA, but so is the earning potential. Let’s look at the raw data.
Cost of Living Comparison (Index Scores)
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 173.0 (73% above US avg) | 100.0 (National Avg) |
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $299,000 |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $745 |
| Median Income | $79,701 | $63,934 |
| Violent Crime Rate /100k | 732.5 | 469.8 |
The Purchasing Power War:
Let's run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in both cities, where does your money feel like more?
In Los Angeles, earning $100k feels like earning roughly $57,800 after you adjust for the city's high costs. Your biggest expense is housing. That median home price of $1,002,500 requires a massive down payment and a hefty mortgage. Rent eats up a significant portion of your income, even on a six-figure salary. You’ll pay a premium for everything from a gallon of milk to a night out. California also has a high state income tax (up to 13.3%), which further erodes your take-home pay.
In Great Falls, earning $100k feels like earning $100k—because the national average cost of living is your baseline. Your money stretches incredibly far. The median home price of $299,000 is less than a third of LA's. Your rent payment would be a fraction of what it is in LA, freeing up thousands of dollars for savings, travel, or hobbies. Montana has no state sales tax and a relatively low flat income tax (6.75%), which is a huge financial win.
Verdict on Dollars: For pure purchasing power, Great Falls is the undisputed champion. You can build wealth and live comfortably on a much lower salary. Los Angeles offers higher earning potential, but it's a rat race where your paycheck is devoured by costs.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles: The Perpetual Seller's Market
Buying in LA is a monumental challenge. The median home price is $1,002,500, and you’re competing with all-cash offers, investors, and fierce bidding wars. It’s a market for the ultra-wealthy or those with substantial equity from a previous sale. Renting is the default for most, but even that is a cutthroat arena with sky-high prices and fierce competition for every decent unit. Availability is chronically low, and you’re paying a premium for location that often means less square footage.
Great Falls: A Balanced, Accessible Market
Great Falls offers a breath of fresh air. The median home price of $299,000 is within reach for many middle-class families and professionals. The market is stable, with more inventory and less frantic competition. You can realistically buy a home with a yard without needing a Silicon Valley salary. Renting is also affordable and accessible. While the market has seen growth (like everywhere), it hasn't reached the fever pitch of coastal metros.
Verdict on Housing: Great Falls wins decisively. It offers a path to homeownership and a much higher quality of living for your housing dollar. LA's market is an exclusive club with a steep buy-in.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Los Angeles: Infamously one of the worst in the world. The average commute time is over 30 minutes, but real-world experience is often much longer. You can spend hours in your car, often in standstill traffic. This is a massive lifestyle tax that drains time, energy, and patience.
Great Falls: Traffic is virtually non-existent. The average commute is under 15 minutes. You can get across town in a matter of minutes. This is a game-changer for daily stress and work-life balance.
Weather & Climate
Los Angeles: The famous Mediterranean climate is a huge draw. Mild, sunny, and predictable. Average highs hover in the 70s and 80s for most of the year, with cool evenings. You get endless summer vibes, but you trade four distinct seasons. The "May Gray" and "June Gloom" (marine layer) can be overcast, and wildfire season is a serious concern.
Great Falls: You get all four seasons in brilliant, sometimes harsh, fashion. Summers are warm and dry (80s-90s), perfect for outdoor adventures. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing and significant snowfall. Spring and fall are beautiful but brief. The weather demands a wardrobe for all occasions and a tolerance for dramatic shifts.
Crime & Safety
Los Angeles: The data shows a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100k residents. While certain neighborhoods are very safe, the city-wide average is significantly higher than the US national average. Property crime is also a persistent issue in many areas.
Great Falls: The violent crime rate is 469.8 per 100k, which is still above the national average but notably lower than Los Angeles. The smaller, less dense nature of the community contributes to a generally lower perception of crime and a stronger sense of personal safety for many residents.
The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?
After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final call.
🏆 Winner for Families: Great Falls
- Why: The trifecta of affordable housing, excellent safety, and a slower pace of life creates an ideal environment for raising kids. The access to outdoor recreation is unbeatable, and the strong sense of community provides a supportive network.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
- Why: If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a specialized field, LA’s network and opportunities are unparalleled. The dating scene, nightlife, and cultural offerings are on a different planet. It’s about maximizing career growth and social experiences in your 20s and 30s.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Great Falls
- Why: Your retirement savings will go exponentially further. The lower cost of living, combined with a peaceful environment and a tight-knit community, is a recipe for a comfortable and relaxed golden age. The lack of traffic and stress is a significant health benefit.
Final Pros & Cons
Los Angeles, CA
âś… Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: Global hub for entertainment, tech, and international business.
- Incredible Diversity & Culture: A mosaic of the world’s food, art, and people.
- Legendary Weather: Near-perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
- Endless Entertainment: World-class museums, concerts, sports, and dining.
❌ Cons:
- Crippling Cost of Living: One of the most expensive cities in the US.
- Brutal Traffic: Wastes hours of your life weekly.
- High Stress & Competitive Pressure: The "hustle culture" can be exhausting.
- Significant Homelessness & Urban Issues: Visible in many areas.
Great Falls, MT
âś… Pros:
- Extreme Affordability: Your salary has massive purchasing power.
- Outdoor Paradise: Immediate access to hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing.
- Low Stress & Slow Pace: A true escape from urban chaos.
- Strong Community Vibe: Friendly, neighborly, and safe.
❌ Cons:
- Limited Career Options: Fewer major employers and specialized job markets.
- Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy seasons can be a challenge.
- Cultural & Entertainment Drought: Far fewer restaurants, concerts, and events.
- Isolation: You’re far from other major cities and airports.
The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a dream that requires its unique ecosystem, and you’re willing to pay the price—in dollars and stress. Choose Great Falls if you value space, affordability, and a life centered on nature and community over constant stimulation.