Wyoming vs Montana - What's the difference? [BREAKDOWN]

Wyoming vs Montana – these states sit side-by-side, were established within a year of each other, and both feature vast mountain ranges, broad plains, deep valleys, and otherworldly national parks. So, what’s the difference between Montana and Wyoming?

In this article, we compare Wyoming vs Montana’s size, geography, weather, crime rates, and more. We also outline which state is cheaper to live in and point out what you can only find in each state.

Whether you’re considering Montana vs Wyoming for vacation, retirement, or living, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which state is for you.

Comparison table (Summary) – Wyoming vs Montana
Population & size – Wyoming vs Montana
Geography – Wyoming vs Montana
Cities & towns – Wyoming vs Montana
Ski resorts – Wyoming vs Montana
National parks – Wyoming vs Montana
Cost of living – Wyoming vs Montana
Weather – Wyoming vs Montana
Crime – Wyoming vs Montana

Wyoming vs Montana – What’s the difference?

Are Wyoming and Montana similar?

Here is a table summarizing this article’s complete comparison of Wyoming vs Montana.

	Montana	Wyoming
Population	1.1 million	577,000
Size	147,040 mi² (380,800 km²)	97,914 mi² (253,600 km²)
Crowds	Few	Few
Towns	Overall: Small towns Largest town: pop 117,116 (Billings)	Overall: Small towns (most of them smaller than those in MT) Largest town: pop 65,123 (Cheyenne)
Vast space	Plenty of prairie, mountains, and wilderness	Plenty of prairie, mountains, and wilderness, though slightly less than in MT
Excellent skiing	Many resorts, towering peaks, expansive terrain	Fewer resorts, spectacular mountains, and stunning, vast terrain
National parks	More national parks	Fewer national parks, each with distinct beauty. 96% of Yellowstone is in Wyoming
Outdoor recreation opportunities (national parks, wildlife refuges, mountain ranges, wilderness areas, etc.)	Montana’s large size and diverse ecosystems make for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, from the Rocky Mountains to the Missouri Breaks, down to the eastern plains	Wyoming features a diverse range of landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. The state also encompasses various basins, shrublands, desert, rivers, and more. Due to Wyoming’s smaller size, it can be said it has fewer recreational opportunities, but this slight difference isn’t something a resident or visitor would likely notice as there are plenty of vast, natural spaces to explore
Cost of living	Slightly higher than Wyoming but almost the same	Slightly lower than Montana but nearly the same
Weather	Slightly more precipitation	More sunny days and snowfall
Crime	Much higher violent and property crime rates	Much lower violent and property crime rates

Population and size – Wyoming vs Montana

A key aspect of the Wyoming vs Montana debate is population and size.

In short, Montana and Wyoming are two of the largest U.S. states with the lowest population densities:

Montana is the fourth largest state and the 3rd least densely populated
Wyoming is the 10th largest state and the 2nd least densely populated (right behind Alaska)

Wyoming is smaller than Montana, but its population is about half that of Montana as well, making for similar population density:

Population

Montana: 1.1 million
Wyoming: 577,000

Size

Montana: 147,040 square miles (380,800 km²)
Wyoming: 97,914 square miles (253,600 km²)

Wyoming and Montana both offer plenty of open space and spectacular, untouched natural forests, plains, national parks, and wilderness to explore.

Wyoming and Montana tie in this category.

Nonetheless, there are small, distinct geological differences between Wyoming and Montana.

Geography – Wyoming vs Montana

Each state’s geography is key to the Wyoming vs Montana debate.

Montana and Wyoming are both large, sparsely populated states with towering mountain ranges, sprawling plains, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems.

However, some distinct geographical differences between the two may draw you to one more than the other – which is of interest if you’re debating visiting Wyoming or Montana.

Montana – Geography

Montana features a diverse range of geological features, ecosystems, and wildlife, including:

Continental Divide. The point that splits the western United States, from which rivers flow either west or east. This divide runs north-south through the Rocky Mountains of western Montana.
100+ mountain ranges. Montana has over 100 sub mountain ranges, most of which are in the Rocky Mountains. These include the Cabinet Mountains, the Gallatin Range, and the Absaroka-Beartooth Range, where Montana’s highest and most stunning peaks lie.
60% prairie. The eastern part of Montana is part of the northern Great Plains and is home to unique flora and fauna, including part of the Badlands.
River valleys. Between each of the 100+ mountain ranges lie alpine lakes and pristine valleys, such as the Big Hole River, Bitterroot Valley, and Paradise Valley, which offer agricultural resources and wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities.
Missouri Breaks. In north-central Montana, the Missouri River flows through a protected area of rolling hills, rock outcroppings, buttes, sparse forests, and wide prairie flats.
Badlands. In the far east of Montana are some of the most picturesque regions of the badlands, including Makoshika State Park and Medicine Rocks State Park
Dinosaur fossils. Many areas in Northeast Montana, such as the Charles M. Russel National Wildlife Refuge, hold major collections of dinosaur fossils.

Montana also features a range of wildlife, including:

Bald eagles
Grizzly bears
Mountain lions
Mountain goats
Bighorn sheep
Brown bears

And more.

A unique variety of protected species, such as the Black-footed Ferret and the Whooping Crane, also call Montana home.

Montana is an ideal place for skiers, hikers, birders, and all types of outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Wyoming – Geography

Wyoming is well known for the towering Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains in the west. But the rest of the state features a variety of spectacular mountain ranges, plains, hills, and basins as well:

Teton Range. Wyoming’s Teton Range is one of the state’s most well-known mountain ranges, due to its dramatic beauty.
Great Plains. The Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming.
Plateau. Much of the state is a plateau broken by multiple mountain ranges and valleys, including the summit of Gannett Peak, the tallest peak in Wyoming at 13,804 feet (4,207 m), and the Belle Fourche River valley in the northeast, at 3,125 feet (952 m).
Black Hills. A unique mountain range in northeast Wyoming, featuring jagged spires of sandstone, granite, limestone, and other rock, intermixed with lush green forests, giving it a dark appearance. The Black Hills have long been an integral part of the Lakota Tribe’s culture.
Wind River Range. This mountain range lies in a remote area of west central Wyoming and features 40+ mountain peaks piercing above 13,000 ft (4,000 m)
Continental Divide. The continental divide splits the middle of the U.S. On its west side, rivers and waterways flow west towards the Pacific. On its east side, waters flow south into the Gulf of Mexico.
Great Divide Basin. The Continental Divide forks in the south-central part of the state. Precipitation that falls onto, or rivers that flow into, the Great Divide Basin cannot reach an ocean – it sinks into the soil and evaporates.
Basins, shrublands, desert, and more. Wyoming features a range of large basins, shrublands, patches of desert, and other eco-regions. Within some of these areas are large geologic formations, sand dunes, and vast unpopulated spaces.
Lower elevations. Wyoming’s lower elevations feature rolling hills, terraces, valleys, mesas, and other rugged terrain with natural springs and rivers interspersed.
Islands. Wyoming features 32 named islands, most of which are in Jackson Lake and Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, as well as the Green River in the southwest.

A wide variety of wildlife flourishes across Wyoming as well, including:

Bison
Wolves
Mountain lions
Bald eagles
Grizzly bears
Wild horses

And more.

Endangered species in Wyoming include the grizzly bear, Kendall Warm Springs dace, and the Wyoming Toad.

Wyoming may be overlooked by the buzz of Montana’s tourism, but Wyoming’s natural areas are no less spectacular. They offer a unique flavor of outdoor recreation compared to what you find in Montana.

Montana and Wyoming tie for geography.

Now, what about Wyoming vs Montana’s cities and towns?

Cities and towns of Wyoming vs Montana – Which are better?

A big question in the Wyoming vs Montana debate is, “How do the cities and towns of each state compare?”

In short, Montana and Wyoming both have small towns, but no large cities.

However, it’s worth noting that Montana’s largest city, Billings (pop 117,116), is significantly larger than Wyoming’s largest city, Cheyenne (pop 65,123). If you’re keen on small-town life for your retirement or vacation in Montana and Wyoming, then either state will suit you on this point.

Montana cities

Notable cities in Montana include:

Bozeman. (pop 119,000) A quaint mountain town with a university, a strong student population, and immediate access to some of the most beautiful areas of Montana, such as the Gallatin Valley. A very fast-growing town.
Missoula. (pop 75,000) A university town in western Montana near Lolo Pass. It has a reputation as a relaxed and fun mountain town.
Helena. (pop 33,000) The capital of Montana. A relatively small, but pleasant, town with great access to central Montana’s most beautiful areas, such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Canyon Ferry Lake.

Montana also has many quaint towns of about 10,000 people or less, such as Cut Bank, and Dillon. These towns offer one of the most unique experiences available in the state.

Discover the best places to live in Montana here.

Wyoming cities

Wyoming’s cities and towns are pleasant, and generally smaller than most of Montana’s. Notable cities and towns in Wyoming include:

Cheyenne. (pop 65,123) The capital of Wyoming with a dynamic history and lively atmosphere. Residents of Cheyenne enjoy a range of restaurants and parks. There are multiple nearby areas of unique natural beauty, such as the rock formations of Vedauwoo and the variety of flora and fauna in Curt Gowdy State Park.
Casper. (pop 59,038) A quaint town with plenty of outdoor recreation activities near Casper Mountain, Hogadon Ski Area, and the North Platte River. Casper also has a unique history – several emigration trails (ex. Oregon Trail, California Trail) intersected here during the westward U.S. expansion in the 1800s.
Jackson. (pop 10,570) Jackson sits in the 400 square-mile (1,036 km²) Jackson Valley, which is surrounded by the Gros Ventre and Teton Ranges. Jackson sits near the Jackson Hole Ski Resort and features plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Wyoming has a strong cowboy, western feel, and features a range of stunning natural landscapes, such as the Teton Range, plus many national parks and ski resorts.

However, the differences between Wyoming and Montana are subtle.

Montana and Wyoming tie in this category.

In case you’re considering a Wyoming or Montana vacation for skiing, let’s take a quick look at the ski resorts in both states.

Ski resorts – Wyoming vs Montana

This is a big question in the Wyoming vs Montana debate for many people.

Both Wyoming and Montana lie in the Rocky Mountains, and both have incredible skiing opportunities – 16 ski resorts in Montana and 9 ski resorts in Wyoming.

But Montana has a much bigger reputation as a destination for skiing. Is Montana’s skiing really better than Wyoming’s?

The short answer:

The fact that Montana has more ski resorts may be the reason Montana’s skiing gets more attention than Wyoming’s. It may also just be the immense and growing popularity of Montana’s Big Sky Resort that draws attention away from Wyoming.

However, the world-renowned Jackson Hole Ski Resort lies in Wyoming, which offers excellent skiing in the spectacular Teton Range for all levels. Jackson Hole may be reason enough for some people to choose Wyoming in the Wyoming vs Montana skiing debate.

To give some context to this Wyoming vs Montana skiing debate, here’s a brief list of ski resorts in each state:

Montana ski resorts

Below is a brief list of some of the best ski resorts in Montana:

Big Sky Ski Resort. Big Sky Resort is some of the biggest skiing in Montana and one of the most popular ski resorts in the state. Its open spaces and variety of skiing terrain are some of its main draws.
Red Lodge Mountain. Red Lodge Mountain is an exciting and fun ski resort in Red Lodge, Montana – one of the most quaint and historic towns in the state. This is one of the funnest resorts in Montana with a range of unique peaks, valleys, and gullies.
Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish Mountain resort is in the northern part of the state near the pleasant town of Whitefish. This ski resort is famous for its snow ghosts (snow-caked trees that look like columns of snow) and offers 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of uncrowded terrain.
Bridger Bowl. Bridger Bowl offers a range of skiing for all levels, including a dynamic ridgeline popular among advanced skiers. It’s within an hour’s drive from Bozeman.

It’s the open space and towering mountains that make a good argument for the Big Sky state (Montana) in the Wyoming vs Montana debate.

Discover the best ski resorts in Montana here.

Now, let’s look at Wyoming’s ski resorts.

Wyoming ski resorts

Below is a brief list of some of the best ski resorts in Wyoming:

Jackson Hole. Some of the best skiing in the U.S. is at Sun Valley Resort and the name is fitting – it receives many sunny days throughout the year. The ski resort offers two mountains, covering all levels of skiing, from beginner to extreme.
Grand Targhee. A smaller, neighboring resort to Jackson Hole, with similar snow quality, but sitting slightly higher, leading to slightly different weather. More wide open than Jackson, offering ample intermediate-level terrain, as well as advanced terrain.
Hogadon Basin. A smaller resort in Casper, Wyoming, with 15 trails serviced by 3 ski lifts. This resort sees an average of 114 in (4.3 m) of snow each year!
Meadowlark Ski Lodge. Often called the Jackson of the Bighorn Mountains. This lakeside ski resort is located in north-central Wyoming and offers stunning views of the Bighorn mountains. There are 35 runs, accommodating all ability levels.

It’s difficult to say whether Montana or Wyoming skiing is better.

Keep in mind:

☝️The Tetons are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the western U.S., which makes Jackson Hole a highly attractive resort.

☝️Montana’s expansive mountain ranges, open space, and towering peaks feature numerous ski resorts to choose from.

Montana and Wyoming tie in this category.

Now, what about national parks? When discussing the differences between Wyoming vs Montana, we cannot overlook the national parks in each state.

National parks in Montana and Wyoming. Which state has more? Which ones are better?

Montana’s national parks, such as Glacier, seem to overshadow the national parks of its neighboring states. Nonetheless, Wyoming has seven national parks, each of distinct beauty.

Here’s a list of national parks in Wyoming and Montana.

Montana’s national parks

Here are some of Montana’s national parks:

Yellowstone National Park. A preserved ecosystem of geysers, boiling rivers, geothermal pools, and a variety of wildlife.
Glacier National Park. A network of towering mountains and glacial-carved valleys. Site of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Nez Perce National Historical Park. Multiple sites of historical and cultural importance to the Nez Perce Tribe, such as Lolo Trail.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. A historic ranch site that memorializes the icons of the western United States.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. A national recreation area with a reservoir crawling between towering cliff sides. It includes 120,000 acres of diverse wildlife and has been inhabited by humans for 10,000+ years.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. One of the most important trading posts of this region of Montana and a bastion of peaceful coexistence for decades throughout the settlement of the western U.S.
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. Several sites throughout Montana reveal the effects of glacial flooding that ripped across Montana about 18,000 years ago.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. Several sites along the portion of the Lewis and Clark trail that runs through present-day Montana.
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. 149 miles of the scenic Missouri River flows through rock outcroppings and rolling hills that have remained untouched for centuries.

It’s hard to beat Montana’s national parks. In fact, its range of unique nationally preserved areas is one of its main draws.

Discover all of Montana’s national parks here.

Wyoming’s national parks

Here are some of Wyoming’s national parks:

Yellowstone National Park. World-renowned national park consisting of geysers, geothermal pools, boiling rivers, and a variety of wildlife. 96% of Yellowstone lies in Wyoming.
Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Range stuns everyone who sees it. These are mountains of the imagination. Grand Teton National Park encompasses the Teton Range, Teton Peak, and Jackson Hole Valley. It’s a great place for hiking, picnicking, mountaineering, backcountry camping, and other outdoor activities. Near Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton is a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and features similar wildlife.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. A paved, scenic road connecting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, offering scenery characteristic of both areas.
Fossil Butte. A protected area containing fossils from the Eocene Epoch (56 to 34 million years ago) in an area where a lake once covered most of southern Wyoming.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This park straddles the Montana-Wyoming border, but most of it lies in Wyoming. A 120,000-acre (48,562-hectare) area of diverse wildlife that has been inhabited by humans for 10,000+ years. A main draw is the reservoir, which crawls between towering cliff sides.
Fort Laramie. A key trading post during the expansion into the western U.S. and one of the most well-preserved forts in the country.

Montana has more national parks and national historic sites than Wyoming, but which is better depends on personal preferences.

Keep in mind:

☝️ 96% of Yellowstone National Park lies in Wyoming.

☝️While Wyoming is home to most of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Montana is home to the towering peaks and 7,000-year-old glaciers of Glacier National Park.

☝️Numbers don’t matter: while Montana has more national parks, it’s difficult to to say Wyoming is more beautiful than Montana, or vice versa.

Overall, Montana wins this category due to its diversity of parks.

What about the cost of living in each state? Let’s take a look.

Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Wyoming?

The cost of living in Montana and Wyoming is about the same – Montana is only 0.7% more expensive than Wyoming.

However, there is a major cost difference between Wyoming vs Montana in home prices:

☝️Average home prices in Montana are about 36% higher than in Wyoming.

Here are summary comparison tables of what we cover in this section.