MT • 8 Cities • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Montana

Explore cost of living data for 8 cities in Montana. Compare housing, rent, groceries, healthcare, and utility costs with detailed city-by-city breakdowns.

Cost Index

100.0

Average

Avg Rent

$2,478

/month

State Tax

6.75%

income tax

Avg Income

$N/A

/year

Cities

tracked

Cheapest Cities in Montana

Most Expensive Cities in Montana

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All Cities in Montana(8 of 8)

Living in Montana: What to Know

Montana has a cost of living index of 100.0, meaning overall expenses are approximately in line with the national average. With 8 cities tracked in our database, the state offers a wide range of living situations from very affordable small towns to pricier metropolitan areas.

Housing is typically the largest expense category. Average rent in Montana is approximately $2,478 per month, with significant variation between urban centers and rural communities. Median home values average around $825,760 statewide.

The state income tax rate in Montana is 6.75%, which directly affects take-home pay. Factor this into salary comparisons when considering a move from states with different tax rates.

Montana Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Montana.

Montana has a cost of living index of 100.0 compared to the national average of 100. This means costs are approximately in line with national averages. The state has 8 cities tracked in our database with varying costs across urban and rural areas.

The average monthly rent in Montana is approximately $2,478 per month. Rent varies significantly by city — major metropolitan areas tend to have rents 30-60% higher than rural communities within the state. Our city-by-city breakdown below provides median rent, median home prices, and utility costs for every tracked city.

Montana has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.75%. This affects take-home pay significantly — on a $100,000 salary, you'd pay roughly $6,750 in state income taxes.

The most affordable cities in Montana include Belgrade (+29% vs national average), Big Sky (+29% vs national average), Bozeman (+29% vs national average). These cities offer significantly lower housing, grocery, and healthcare costs compared to national averages. Explore each city page for detailed expense breakdowns.

Montana offers average cost of living with 8 cities to choose from. Key factors to consider include housing costs (average rent ~$2,478/mo), job market, climate, and quality of life. Browse individual city pages below for specific cost breakdowns to help you decide.