📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Great Falls and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Great Falls vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Great Falls | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,934 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $299,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $163 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $745 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 100.0 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.3 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 469.8 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You’re standing at a crossroads between two worlds: the concrete jungle that never sleeps and the rugged, wide-open spaces of the American frontier. On one side, you have New York City—the global capital of finance, fashion, and frenetic energy. On the other, you have Great Falls, Montana—a hidden gem where the mountains meet the plains, offering a slower, more grounded pace of life.
This isn't just about geography; it's a fundamental choice of lifestyle. Are you chasing the skyline or seeking the horizon? Let’s break it down, head-to-head, so you can see which city truly fits your life.
The Vibe Check: Neon Lights vs. Big Sky Country
New York is a pressure cooker of ambition and creativity. It’s the city that buzzes with a 24/7 hum of subway trains, yellow cabs, and endless possibilities. Life here is a marathon, not a sprint. You don't just live in New York; you survive it, and if you thrive, you feel like you can conquer anything. It’s for the hustler, the artist, the dreamer who wants to be at the center of the universe. The culture is a mosaic of every corner of the globe, with world-class museums, Broadway, and a food scene that spans every cuisine imaginable. If you crave anonymity in a crowd, infinite social options, and a career that can skyrocket, this is your arena.
Great Falls is the antithesis. It’s a city of 60,412 people where the pace is deliberate and the community is tight-knit. The vibe is unpretentious, rugged, and deeply connected to the outdoors. This is where you go to breathe clean air, watch the sunset over the Highwood Mountains, and actually know your neighbors. Life revolves around the seasons—hiking and fishing in the summer, skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. It’s for the outdoorsman, the family seeking space, and the person who values peace and quiet over a packed social calendar. Here, your connection to nature isn't a weekend getaway; it's your backyard.
Who is it for?
- New York: The career-driven, the social butterfly, the culture vulture, and anyone who thrives on constant stimulation.
- Great Falls: The nature lover, the budget-conscious, the family-focused, and the person seeking a simpler, more community-oriented life.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The raw numbers tell a stark story, but the context is everything.
Cost of Living Table: New York vs. Great Falls
| Category | New York, NY | Great Falls, MT | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $299,000 | Great Falls |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $745 | Great Falls |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 100.0 | Great Falls |
| Median Income | $76,577 | $63,934 | New York |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in New York, your money is fighting a brutal battle. After federal, state, and city taxes, your take-home pay dips significantly. The $2,451 monthly rent for a modest one-bedroom doesn’t leave much for savings, dining out, or entertainment. Your $100k salary feels more like $65,000 in real purchasing power once the high cost of living is factored in.
Now, transplant that same $100,000 salary to Great Falls. Your housing costs ($745 rent) are a fraction of what they are in NYC. While Montana has a progressive income tax (up to 6.75%), the absence of a state sales tax on groceries and a lower overall cost of living means your dollar stretches exponentially further. That same $100,000 salary in Great Falls buys you a lifestyle that would require $200,000+ in New York City. You can afford a spacious home, a new car, and still have substantial funds for travel and savings.
The Tax Twist: New York has a brutal combination: high state income tax (up to 10.9%), plus a city income tax (3.876% for high earners). There's also a high sales tax. Montana has no sales tax, period. This is a massive, often overlooked, financial advantage that hits your wallet every single day.
Verdict: For pure purchasing power, Great Falls wins in a landslide. New York offers higher nominal salaries, but the cost of living eats most of it. If you want your money to work for you, not just for your landlord, Great Falls is the smarter financial move.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?
New York: The housing market is a seller’s market on steroids. With a median home price of $875,000, homeownership is a distant dream for most. The competition is fierce; you're often bidding against investors and wealthy buyers, driving prices even higher. Renting is the default for the vast majority, and finding an affordable place is a relentless, stressful hunt. Availability is low, and you pay a premium for every square foot.
Great Falls: This is a buyer’s market. The median home price of $299,000 makes owning a home with a yard a tangible reality for middle-class families. While the market has heated up in recent years, it’s still accessible compared to coastal metros. Inventory exists, and you won’t be in a multi-bid war for a fixer-upper. Renting is also incredibly affordable and easy to find, with a much lower barrier to entry.
Verdict: If your dream is to own property, Great Falls is the undisputed champion. New York’s market is for the ultra-wealthy; Great Falls’ market is for the everyday person.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- New York: Legendary. The subway is efficient but crowded, hot, and sometimes unreliable. Commutes can easily be 60-90 minutes each way. Car ownership is a nightmare—expensive, scarce parking, and gridlock. You’ll spend a significant chunk of your life in transit.
- Great Falls: A 15-20 minute drive across town is standard. Traffic jams are rare. You own a car, it’s essential, and you can park right in front of your destination. The commute is a non-issue.
Weather:
- New York: All four seasons, and they can be extreme. Summers are hot and humid (often in the 90°F range), feeling like a sauna. Winters are cold, windy, and snowy, with nor’easters bringing feet of snow. It’s a city built for indoor life for much of the year.
- Great Falls: A semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry (average high in the 80s), perfect for outdoor activities. Winters are cold and snowy (average low in the 20s), but the dry air makes it more tolerable than NYC’s damp cold. The "Chinook" winds can bring dramatic temperature swings, but the lack of oppressive humidity is a huge plus for many.
Crime & Safety:
- New York: Contrary to its gritty reputation, NYC is actually one of the safest large cities in America. The violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100k, which is lower than many other major metros. However, petty crime like pickpocketing is common, and you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Great Falls: The data shows a violent crime rate of 469.8 per 100k, which is higher than NYC's. This can be surprising, but it's important to understand the context. In a smaller city, a few high-profile incidents can skew the per-capita statistics. Generally, daily life feels very safe, with low levels of street crime. However, property crime (like car break-ins) can be an issue, as is common in many western towns.
- Verdict: For daily situational awareness and comfort, New York feels safer for many due to constant foot traffic and police presence. However, the statistical edge is surprisingly slim. It’s a nuanced point, but for most, the perception of safety in Great Falls is high, even if the raw data is slightly elevated.
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
After digging into the data and the daily realities, here’s your clear, actionable breakdown.
Winner for Families: Great Falls
- Why: Affordable housing ($299k median home price), spacious living, excellent public schools, and a safe, community-oriented environment. The access to outdoor recreation is unbeatable and provides a healthy, active lifestyle for kids. The financial freedom you gain here is a game-changer for a family budget.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: New York
- Why: The career opportunities are unparalleled. The networking, the energy, the endless social and cultural events. Yes, you’ll pay for it in rent and taxes, but for the right person, the experience is irreplaceable. It’s the ultimate place to build a resume and a social life simultaneously.
Winner for Retirees: Great Falls
- Why: Stretching a fixed income is critical. The low cost of living, no sales tax, and access to affordable healthcare (Great Falls has a robust regional medical center) make it financially sensible. The peaceful, scenic setting and slower pace are ideal for relaxation and enjoying retirement. The active outdoor culture also promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.
Pros & Cons: The Quick-Hit Summary
New York City
- Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: The global hub for finance, media, tech, and the arts.
- World-Class Culture & Dining: Broadway, museums, and every cuisine on the planet at your doorstep.
- Public Transit: No need for a car (and the associated costs).
- Diversity & Energy: A melting pot of people and ideas; never a dull moment.
- Cons:
- Sticker Shock: Astronomical cost of living, especially housing ($2,451 rent).
- High Taxes: State and city income taxes take a big bite.
- Crowds & Noise: Constant population density and urban clamor.
- Competitive Housing Market: A brutal seller's market with fierce competition.
Great Falls, Montana
- Pros:
- Incredible Affordability: $299k median home price, $745 rent. Your money goes far.
- Outdoor Paradise: Immediate access to hiking, fishing, skiing, and stunning scenery.
- Strong Sense of Community: Friendly, laid-back vibe where people know their neighbors.
- Easy Commute & Pace: 15-minute drives and a stress-free daily grind.
- Cons:
- Limited Job Market: Fewer high-paying corporate careers; dominated by healthcare, education, and services.
- Isolation: It’s a 2-hour drive to a major airport (Great Falls Intl.) and far from major cities.
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy winters require preparation and a good snow shovel.
- Limited Cultural Amenities: Fewer major concerts, museums, and upscale dining options.
The Bottom Line: This is a choice between aspiration and affordability. Choose New York if you’re willing to trade dollars for unparalleled experience and career velocity. Choose Great Falls if you want to trade the skyline for a mountain view and financial freedom. Your decision hinges on one question: What is your non-negotiable priority—opportunity or space?