Michigan to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Montana

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High population density
• Traffic congestion

ProsMontana

• Mild winters
• Lower population density
• Less traffic

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Montana

• No large lakes
• Fewer job opportunities
• Fewer cultural events

Michigan

• Great Lakes access
• Diverse industries
• Cultural amenities

Pros of moving from Michigan to Montana

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from high population density and moving to Montana with lower population density
• Swap the traffic congestion of Michigan for less traffic in Montana

Cons of moving from Michigan to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from great lakes access in Michigan to live with no large lakes in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse industries and have to settle for the con of fewer job opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to cultural amenities and get used to fewer cultural events in Montana

Michigan vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dog, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Burger and Elk Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reubens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Deli, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Eccentric Café. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Loula's Cafe, The Uptown Diner, and Biga Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Montana shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Montana, compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Montana.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Montana

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Mountain Modern architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeshore and garages, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and acreage.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than Michigan.
• Montana is similarly bike-friendly to Michigan.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Montana housing costs are 90% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Montana is 2.84% more affordable than in Michigan.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Michigan and Montana

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Montana. Montana gets 21% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Montana has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flooding in Montana.
• The average summer high temperature in Montana is 3 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows in Montana are 4 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 17.5 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 1% more than those in Michigan
• The COLI in Montana is 9% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in MT is 0–6.65% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Montana is modest compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
• The poverty level is slight in Montana compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Michigan and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Montana

• Michigan tends to lean politically competitive (purple) with urban and many suburban areas leaning Democratic while many rural areas lean Republican; statewide results are often close in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as generally conservative or Republican-leaning in statewide and federal races and occasionally elects moderate Democrats; the rural vote is influential
• Montana's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a strong Protestant or evangelical presence, smaller Catholic and Latter-day Saint communities, a significant religiously unaffiliated group, and Native American spiritual traditions present on reservations
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a sizable Catholic population, a notable Muslim community in the Detroit metro area, and a growing share of the religiously unaffiliated

How Much Do Michigan to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,357 miles from Michigan to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.