Montana Vs Wyoming: Which State is better?
Montana and Wyoming are two of the most beautiful states in America. They both offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities. They are also home to some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the country. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, it can be a challenging task. Here is a comprehensive comparison between Montana and Wyoming that can help you decide which state is better for you.
Geography
Montana and Wyoming are both large states, but Montana is bigger than Wyoming in terms of land area. Montana covers an area of 147,040 square miles, while Wyoming covers an area of 97,813 square miles. Montana is a landlocked state, while Wyoming borders Montana to the north, South Dakota to the east, Colorado to the south, Utah to the southwest, and Idaho to the west.
In terms of topography, Montana has a varied geography, including the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Continental Divide. Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and The Bob Marshall Wilderness are major natural attractions in Montana. On the other hand, Wyoming boasts of the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, including the Grand Teton National Park, Devils Tower, and Yellowstone National Park.
Climate & Weather
Montana’s climate is diverse with warm summers and cold winters. The state is known for its cold winters, and it is not uncommon for temperatures to fall below zero degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the temperatures warm up, but not to the extent of scorching hot weather. In contrast, Wyoming has a semi-arid climate, which means mild temperatures in the winter and hot temperatures in the summer. Wyoming temperatures often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, which can make outdoor activities challenging.
Population and Culture
Montana and Wyoming share similarities in terms of population, with Montana having a population of 1.06 million people, while Wyoming has a population of 578,759 people. Montana is home to more than 13 Native American tribes, including Salish-Kootenai, Crow, and Northern Cheyenne. Wyoming is mostly comprised of Caucasians, followed by Hispanics, Native Americans, and African Americans.
Montana and Wyoming are both rugged western states with a deep appreciation for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing. The people in these states are friendly and welcoming, with a strong sense of community.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Montana is slightly more expensive than Wyoming. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Montana is 87.79, while in Wyoming, it is 84.14. The housing costs in Montana are slightly higher than Wyoming, with an average monthly rent of $1,287 and $1,175, respectively.
Job Market
Montana and Wyoming both have diverse economies, with their primary industries being agriculture, tourism, and energy. Montana is home to several large companies, including the Bozeman Technology Park and the Big Sky Resort. The largest employers in Wyoming are in the mining and tourism sectors.
Education & Health Care
Montana has a very strong education system, with the University of Montana and Montana State University as the primary public universities. Montana also boasts several private institutions, including Carroll College and Rocky Mountain College. On the other hand, Wyoming is home to the University of Wyoming, located in Laramie.
In terms of healthcare, Montana has a higher per capita rate of physicians and nurses than Wyoming. Montana also ranks higher in the quality of healthcare and patient outcomes, according to the Commonwealth Fund.
Transportation
Montana and Wyoming are both sparsely populated states, which can sometimes make transportation challenging. Montana has several airports, including the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Billings Logan International Airport, and the Glacier Park International Airport. Wyoming also has several airports, including the Jackson Hole Airport, Casper/Natrona County International Airport, and the Cheyenne Regional Airport.
FAQs
1. Which state has more national parks?
Montana and Wyoming both have several national parks. Montana has two national parks, which are Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, while Wyoming has three national parks, which are Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Devils Tower National Monument.
2. Which state has better skiing options?
Both Montana and Wyoming are exceptional skiing destinations. Montana has two popular ski resorts, which are Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort. In contrast, Wyoming has one of the best skiing destinations in North America, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
3. Which state is safer?
Both Montana and Wyoming are relatively safe states. According to the 2020 FBI Crime Report, Montana has a violent crime rate of 4.7%, while Wyoming has a violent crime rate of 2.6%, making Wyoming slightly safer than Montana.
Conclusion
Both Montana and Wyoming have unique qualities that make them each a great place to live or visit. Montana is larger and has more native peoples, but Wyoming has more national parks and better weather. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking to get out of life in these western states. With this comprehensive comparison between Montana and Wyoming, we hope you can make a more informed decision about which state is better for you.