Which state is better for veterans — Montana or California?
There's no universal answer; the better state depends on your priorities. Below are the factors that most often decide the question.
If you're a military retiree
Both retirement income tax and property tax matter most in retirement. Montana does not tax military retirement pay, while California taxes military retirement pay (california taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income — one of the few states that still does.). On property, Montana offers a partial property tax reduction, and California offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Montana's headline program is the Montana University System Honorably Discharged Veteran Fee Waiver — Honorably discharged combat-service veterans qualifying as Montana residents may receive a fee waiver at Montana University System schools that covers registration and incidental fees not paid by GI Bill. California's is the CalVet College Fee Waiver — Waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for qualifying dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Multiple plans (A, B, C, D) cover different family situations.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Montana hosts 1 significant installation(s) including Malmstrom AFB.California hosts 8 including Camp Pendleton, MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, Naval Base San Diego.
Climate and lifestyle
Montana: Continental and alpine climate; cold snowy winters, mild summers, vast open spaces. California: Climate varies dramatically — Mediterranean coast, hot Central Valley, alpine Sierra Nevada, desert south.