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One question that people coming to Big Sky always ask is, “How does the value of Big Sky compare to that of other places throughout the West?” There are many different values that one can attribute to a town such a Big Sky, from the cost of real estate to the amenities offered. Most of these valuable commodities can’t be given a precise value because different people place different values on them.

Each amenity or resource has its own worth, and for some the worth of something like having a National Park in your backyard can’t be valued. Living somewhere that is just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park is something they wouldn’t trade for anything. On the other hand, to some having a city like Denver nearby means more than any National Park could.

There are also geographical factors to consider. Big Sky is isolated from other places, so searching for properties in Big Sky will typically bring you places in Big Sky. Other areas can be more difficult as they are spread out over larger areas.

Regardless of these factors, a quick look at real estate prices is informative in that it can show a general sense of the cost of living in various places.

VAIL
- Of 738 Homes sold through the 3rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $1,441,766.

- Of 773 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $914,862.

TETON COUNTY (Jackson Hole Area)
- Of 182 Homes sold through the 3^rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $1,859,431.
- Of 163 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $784,056.

TELLURIDE
- Of 57 Homes sold through the 3^rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $3,064,584
- Of 128 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $1,103,591

SUN VALLEY
- Of 210 Homes sold through the 3^rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $930,293.
- Of 135 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $891,783.

PARK CITY
- Of 621 Homes sold through the 3^rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $1,091,407.
- Of 593 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $883,064.

ASPEN
- Of 196 Homes sold through the 3^rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $4,219,872.
- Of 163 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $1,297,745.

BIG SKY, MONTANA
- Of 57 Homes sold through the 4^rd quarter last year, the average sold price was $1,467,338.
- Of 59 Condominiums sold through that same time, the average sold price was $552,589.

While homes in ski towns aren’t cheap, there are still some relative deals to be found. At its most simple level, a comparison between sold prices in various towns reveals that some are more expensive than others. This appears to be mostly due to build-out and age of the town.

Aspen and Telluride are two of the oldest, and their prices reflect this. Sun Valley and Big Sky, on the other hand, are newer and smaller, so their prices are still a bit lower.

Teton County, while appearing to be similar at a price point to Big Sky, actually encompasses much more land with sold homes extending much further from the resort or the town.

The other differences outlined above still apply, so the best thing a buyer can do is eliminate the personal variables that affect choice and look for the values available in throughout a town.