Montana may be known for its wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes, but when it comes to the cost of living in Montana, things aren’t as vast as they seem. While you can certainly find affordable homes in Great Falls or charming apartments in Bozeman, the cost of living in Montana varies across the state. Whether you’re drawn to the state’s big cities or its quiet small towns, understanding the housing market and everyday expenses can help you plan your move to Montana with ease. Let’s take a closer look at what it really costs to live in the Big Sky Country.
Housing costs: Median home prices and average rent in Montana
Housing costs in Montana offer a mix of affordability and premium pricing, depending on the area. Overall, the average rent in Montana is $1,320, which is notably lower than the national average rent of $1,645. However, the cost of living in Montana can vary significantly by region. Cities like Billings and Missoula tend to have more moderate rental prices, while areas such as Bozeman and Whitefish—home to stunning mountain views and thriving tourist industries—can see much higher rates. In general, while Montana may offer some budget-friendly options, it’s important to factor in regional differences when considering your ideal location in the state.
Montana housing costs: Average rents and median home sale prices
| City in Montana | 1 Bed Avg. Rent | 2 Bed Avg. Rent | Median Home Sale Price |
| National Average | $1,495 | $1,725 | $428,000 |
| Billings | $1,375 | $1,640 | $379,000 |
| Bozeman | $2,130 | $2,400 | $659,000 |
| Great Falls | $1,620 | $1,745 | $325,000 |
| Helena | $1,290 | $1,600 | $455,000 |
| Missoula | $1,195 | $1,765 | $575,000 |
Housing costs in popular cities in Montana
Billings
The cost of living in Billings is relatively balanced compared to the rest of Montana. With the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,375 and two-bedroom rentals at $1,640, it is more affordable than Bozeman but still above the state average of $1,320. Billings offers a solid mix of city amenities with the charm of a mid-sized town, which contributes to its stable housing market. The median home sale price of $379,000 is also more accessible than more tourist-heavy regions like Bozeman, yet still higher than the national median of $428,000. Whether you’re looking for an apartment in Billings or a single-family home, the city offers reasonable housing costs for those seeking a balance of affordability and convenience.
Bozeman
Known for its scenic beauty and close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is one of Montana’s more expensive cities to live in. The average rent in Bozeman for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,130, with two-bedrooms reaching $2,400—well above the average rent in Montana of $1,320. Housing prices here reflect the city’s popularity, with a median home sale price of $659,000, which is significantly higher than the national median of $428,000. The cost of living in Bozeman can be considered steep for many, especially given its surge in demand among newcomers looking to enjoy both the outdoor lifestyle and the vibrant arts scene.
Missoula
Missoula, nestled in western Montana, strikes a more moderate balance when it comes to housing costs. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,195, with two-bedroom units averaging $1,765. Missoula is known for its artsy vibe, diverse community, and outdoor recreation opportunities, which attract many people to the area. The median home sale price of $575,000 is lower than Bozeman’s, yet still above the national median of $428,000. While Missoula may not be the most budget-friendly option in the state, it provides great lifestyle perks that make it an attractive place to call home.
Utility costs in Montana fall below national averages
The cost of utilities in Montana is fairly reasonable compared to national averages, but it can fluctuate depending on the season, especially in colder months when heating costs spike. On average, Montanans can expect to pay around $275 per month for basic utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, and sewer. While utility bills tend to be higher in winter months due to heating costs, particularly in cities like Billings and Missoula, the overall expense remains manageable compared to more urbanized states. Montana’s rural nature also means that public services like trash and water might be more affordable in smaller towns, but residents of cities like Bozeman and Missoula may see slightly higher utility costs due to greater demand and infrastructure needs. Regardless, these costs are generally lower than the national average, making the overall cost of living in Montana relatively more affordable, especially for those used to higher utility expenses in other parts of the country.
Utility bill comparisons: KS cities vs. nationwide average
| Monthly Energy Bill | Monthly Phone Bill | Comparison to National Avg. | |
| National Average | $203.40 | $194.11 | |
| Billings | $162.24 | $184.57 | -14% less |
| Bozeman | $191.79 | $184.68 | -5% less |
| Great Falls | $164.56 | $184.60 | -14% less |
| Missoula | $196.81 | $214.72 | 0% |
Grocery costs are slightly lower than nationwide averages in Montana
Grocery costs in Montana are lower than the national average, with residents spending about 9% less on food each month compared to the typical U.S. household. While prices can vary between rural areas and larger cities like Bozeman and Billings, Montana generally offers a more affordable grocery shopping experience than many other states. This savings may be particularly noticeable for families or those shopping in bulk. Despite Montana’s rural expanses, the state benefits from a strong local farming community that helps keep food prices in check, especially for produce and dairy. However, some specialty items may cost a little more, particularly in more remote areas where transportation costs drive up prices.
Reasonable transportation costs keep the cost of living in Montana in check
Transportation costs in Montana are relatively affordable, with the average price of gas sitting around $2.92 per gallon—about 4% lower than the national average of $3.05. For those relying on public transportation, however, options are quite limited. Cities like Billings and Missoula offer bus services, but the frequency and reach of routes may not compare to larger metropolitan areas in other states, making car ownership almost a necessity for most residents. Vehicle maintenance, insurance, and registration are also key expenses to factor in for car owners in Montana, where long winters can add to maintenance costs. All in all, while Montana offers lower fuel costs, the lack of widespread public transportation means owning a vehicle is essential for getting around.
The cost of healthcare varies in Montana
Healthcare costs in Montana can vary significantly depending on your personal needs and the type of coverage you have. If you have a comprehensive insurance plan, your out-of-pocket expenses may be lower, but if you’re paying for services out of pocket or have a high-deductible plan, those costs can add up quickly. In general, Montana’s healthcare costs tend to be lower than the national average, but there are still variations across the state. For example, a dentist visit in Great Falls costs an average of $110.91, which is just slightly lower than the national average of $116.86. In contrast, Bozeman sees higher costs for medical care, with a dentist visit averaging $107.68, but doctor visits can run a bit higher—averaging $166.68 compared to the national average of $142.74. Whether you’re seeking routine dental care or seeing a doctor for a check-up, healthcare costs in Montana are fairly reasonable, though you should always factor in insurance premiums and coverage when budgeting for healthcare in the state.
Montana’s taxes are attractive for many residents, positively impacting the cost of living
Montana’s tax system is relatively straightforward and quite favorable compared to many other states. The state employs a graduated income tax, with rates ranging from 4.70 percent to 5.90 percent, making it a relatively moderate tax burden for most residents. One major advantage is that Montana does not have a sales tax, which can save residents significantly on everyday purchases. For homeowners, the property tax rate is 0.69 percent on the value of owner-occupied homes, which is lower than the national average. Additionally, Montana does not impose an estate or inheritance tax, making it more appealing for those planning their financial futures. Thanks to these benefits, Montana ranks 5th overall in the 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index, positioning it as one of the best states for taxes. Overall, Montana’s tax structure helps keep the cost of living more manageable, making it an attractive place to live for many.
How much do I need to earn to live in Montana?
The “30% rule” is a helpful guideline when determining how much you should spend on housing, suggesting that no more than 30% of your monthly income should go toward rent. Using the average rent in Montana is $1,320, this would mean you should earn at least $4,400 per month, or about $52,800 annually, to keep housing costs in check. However, this is just a starting point—it’s essential to factor in other expenses like utilities, transportation, food, healthcare, and insurance when calculating your overall budget. For example, while Billings’ 1-bedroom rents for $1,375, Bozeman’s rents for $2,130, which requires a significantly higher income to stay within the 30% threshold. Keep in mind that everyone’s financial situation is different, and it’s important to consider all aspects of your cost of living, not just rent, when determining what you can comfortably afford.
Methodology
Average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom rent sourced from Rent. Median home sale price, state average monthly rent, national rent prices, and cost of living data sourced from Redfin.
