City vs city
Helena, MT vs Meridian, MS
- Rent is 20% lower in Meridian (median $910/mo vs $1,092/mo in Helena).
- Homes cost 259% less in Meridian ($108k vs $387k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $233 more a month after taxes and rent in Meridian.
- Schools rate higher in Helena (7.3/10 vs 1.3/10).
- Meridian has milder winters (48°F vs 23°F average).
| Helena | Meridian | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,092/mo | $910/mo |
| Median home value | $387k | $108k |
| Median household income | $71k | $37k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,801 | $4,034 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 7.3/10 | 1.3/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.6× the US rate | 1.5× the US rate |
| Summer average | 86°F | 93°F |
| Winter average | 23°F | 48°F |
| Sunny days a year | 200 | 195 |
| Walk score | 42 | 30 |
| Population | 33,639 | 34,137 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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