City vs city
Helena, MT vs Panama City, FL
- Rent is 22% lower in Helena (median $1,092/mo vs $1,327/mo in Panama City).
- Homes cost 44% less in Panama City ($269k vs $387k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $5 more a month after taxes and rent in Panama City.
- Panama City has no state income tax on wages; Helena does.
- Schools rate higher in Helena (7.3/10 vs 6.1/10).
- Panama City has less violent crime (3.1 vs 5.8 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Panama City has milder winters (54°F vs 23°F average).
- Panama City gets more sun (245 vs 200 sunny days a year).
| Helena | Panama City | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,092/mo | $1,327/mo |
| Median home value | $387k | $269k |
| Median household income | $71k | $62k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,801 | $3,806 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 7.3/10 | 6.1/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.6× the US rate | 14% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 86°F | 91°F |
| Winter average | 23°F | 54°F |
| Sunny days a year | 200 | 245 |
| Walk score | 42 | 50 |
| Population | 33,639 | 34,979 |
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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