Montana
About 4,900 Californians moved to Montana in 2024, the number 33 destination out of California. Montana has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.65% (tax year 2026).
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Taxes
Montana has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.65% (tax year 2026). Under House Bill 337, the top rate is scheduled to fall again in 2027. Montana has no general state sales tax, and starting in 2026 its property tax system gives owner-occupied primary residences and long-term rentals preferential treatment compared with second homes and short-term rentals. See the Montana revenue department for current rules.
California's top marginal rate is 13.3% (tax year 2026). Montana's published top rate is lower, but brackets, deductions, credits and any local income taxes differ, so the real difference depends on income and situation. A CPA can run the numbers both ways.
Moving out of California generally doesn't take the sale of a California home out of California's tax reach. Our guide to selling your LA home and moving out of state covers withholding at closing, the capital gains exclusion and the questions to bring to a CPA.
What to check before you go
- Property tax. Rates and assessments are set locally in Montana, and many places offer an exemption or credit on a primary residence. Look up the specific address with the county or local assessor before you budget.
- Homeowners insurance. Premiums depend on the address, the home and the coverage. Get quotes on a specific property early, before you commit to a purchase.
- Vehicle registration and license. New residents generally have a limited window to register a car and get a driver's license in Montana. Check the deadline with the state motor vehicle agency.
- Your last California tax year. The year you move usually means a part-year California return, and the sale of a California home can still be taxed by California. Bring the dates to a CPA.
The full list, in the order people usually tackle it, is in our moving out of California checklist.
The nearest markets we track
We don't have Montana price data yet. These are the closest cities we do cover, measured against a typical LA County zip code.
| City | Median sale price | $/sq ft | Median days on market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical LA County zip | $904K | $588 | 44 |
| Boise, ID | $540K | $320 | 11 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $580K | $373 | 27 |
Redfin Data Center. Cities: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026.
Common questions
How many people move from California to Montana?
About 4,872 people (plus or minus 1,563) moved from California to Montana in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the number 33 destination for people leaving California. The margin of error is wide for a flow this size, so treat it as a rough estimate.
Does Montana have a state income tax?
Yes. Montana has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.65% (tax year 2026). California's top marginal rate is 13.3% (tax year 2026). Confirm current rates with the Montana revenue department and a CPA.
What should I check before moving from California to Montana?
Start with property tax on the specific address, homeowners insurance quotes, the deadline to register a car and get a driver's license in Montana, and how your last California tax year and the sale of your LA home will be handled. Our moving out of California checklist covers the rest.
Mover counts: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 state-to-state migration flows (people who lived in California one year earlier). Estimates have margins of error. Market figures: Redfin Data Center.
