2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Helena, MT vs San Mateo, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Mateo or is it cheaper to live in Helena?
- San Mateo is 149.5% more expensive than Helena.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Mateo or Helena?
- San Mateo housing costs are 326.0% more expensive than Helena housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Helena or is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo.
- Health related expenses are 16.0% more in San Mateo.
 Helena, MTSan Mateo, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock250.0100
 Food & Groceries102.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.4100
 Housing126.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,378,900$338,100
 Utilities87  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock143.4100
 Miscellaneous113.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Helena    17 Reviews

I spent 6 months living on a ranch in the Helena valley. This was during the population boom Montana experienced after covid. Helena has some great mountain biking  More

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Over 3 years ago

We transplanted from Southern California 3 years ago and have never looked back! Living in the small unincorporated town of York Montana located in the Helena nation  More

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Over 5 years ago

I lived here for 16 years. It is a great place to grow  More

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Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 15 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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