Montana is known for its purple mountains and amber grain waves. Aside from the stunning scenery, the state has many mineral resources ranging from coal and oil to silver and gold. It’s no surprise it’s called the Treasure State because of its thriving cities and historical sites.Montana may offer you amazing vistas and a much more tranquil pace of life, whether you wish to relocate now or in the future.
Montana is one of the country’s least populous states, with little over 1 million citizens. This state, known as Big Sky Country, is suitable for those who enjoy the great outdoors and adventure sports.
Despite its size, Montana ranks 44th in terms of population density, with less than seven people per square mile. In this state, elk and antelope outweigh humans. Montana is a great place to get away from the city and enjoy the pure mountain air.
Apart from Glacier National Park, the Lewis and Clark Caverns, and a portion of Yellowstone National Park. If you’re interested in learning more, you’ll want to discover everything you can about the cost of living in Montana before making a decision.
Are things expensive in Montana?
“Does it cost a lot of money to live in Montana?” you may be asking. “Can you tell me how much it costs to live in Montana?”
Montana’s cost of living is typically average, or perhaps a bit costly than average when it comes to costs, and its salaries are lower than the national average in the United States.
In order to fully understand Montana cost of living, finding out how much it will cost to rent an apartment should be at the top of your list of things to accomplish. The average rental prices in this area are much lower than the national average. For example, the average cost of renting a studio apartment in Montana is $566 per month, whereas the national average cost of renting a studio apartment in the United States is $821 per month.
The average monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Montana is $641, compared to the national average of $930 for the same size unit. In Montana, the average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment is $823 per month. The national average in the United States is $1,148.
How Much Does it cost to Live in Montana for a Month?
Best time to visit Montana is between June and August for nice sunny weather and December to march for ski season. Because Montana is a destination for outdoor adventure these are the best season to visit and mostly you have so much things to do in Missoula, Montana or the other best cities of this Big Sky state.
In order to understand how much money you will need to earn in order to live comfortably in Montana, you may look to Billings as an example, where the typical house for rent in Montana for a one-bedroom apartment is $800 per month. According to the 30 % rule, your monthly salary should be at least three times this amount, which equates to $2,667 per month or $32,000 per year, according to the 30 % rule.
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Montana Living Cost
How Much Does Groceries Cost in Montana?
A single adult in Montana spends an average of $3,178 on food each year, while a family of four spends $9,179. To put things in perspective, a single adult’s yearly food spend is $3,240, while a family of four’s annual food cost is $9,354. These figures are based on a nutritionally appropriate diet purchased from a grocery shop and prepared at home.
Montana Grocery Cost Comparison
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 100.6 |
| Helena | 102 |
| Bozeman | 107.6 |
| Missoula | 103.9 |
| Billings | 101.3 |
| Great Falls | 101.1 |
| Kalispell | 102.9 |
| Whitefish | 105.4 |
| Montana city | 99.6 |
| Butte | 97.8 |
Our cost of grocery indices is based on a US average of 100
Are groceries expensive in Montana?
Montana is also one of the most costly states in terms of food. The average cost of food shopping in the city is 4.6 % more than the national average.
How much does it cost to live in Montana for a month?
When it comes to determining the cost of living in Montana, the cost of utilities is an important factor to consider. Typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $800 per month.
Ordinary utilities (electricity, heating, air conditioning, water, and trash) cost an average of $114.87per month in Billings, the state’s capital and largest city. The average cost of internet access per month is $61.75.
Montana Food Cost
According to estimations by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the living wage in Montana for a single adult with no children is $23,671. On average, MIT calculates that $3,573 of those wages goes toward food expenses. That equates to more than 15% of the population, which is approximately 2% more than the overall national average.
Montana Food Cost Comparison
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 100.6 |
| Helena | 102 |
| Bozeman | 107.6 |
| Missoula | 103.9 |
| Billings | 101.3 |
| Great Falls | 101.1 |
| Kalispell | 102.9 |
| Whitefish | 105.4 |
| Montana city | 99.6 |
| Butte | 97.8 |
Our cost of food indices is based on a US average of 100
Is food expensive in Montana?
In Montana, the average annual food expenditure for a single adult is $3,178, while the average annual expenditure for a family of four is $9,179. To put this in perspective, the national average yearly food spending for a single adult is $3,240, and the national average annual food expenditure for a family of four is $9,354.
Are Utilities Expensive in Montana?
Montana has a monthly average energy cost of $94.75, which is much less expensive than the national average of $111.67, according to statistics from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) for 2017. That isn’t the lowest energy bill across all 50 states, but it is among the top ten in the country.
Montana Utilities Cost Comparison
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 87.4 |
| Helena | 87.2 |
| Bozeman | 87.7 |
| Missoula | 85.5 |
| Billings | 95.6 |
| Great Falls | 91.9 |
| Kalispell | 80.6 |
| Whitefish | 80.6 |
| Montana city | 91.9 |
| Butte | 86 |
Our cost of utility indices is based on a US average of 100
What is the average gas bill in Montana?
Montana has a monthly average energy cost of $94.75, which is much less expensive than the national average of $111.67, according to statistics from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) for 2017.
How much is the average water bill in Montana?
The average water bill in Montana is 34$.
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Healthcare System in Montana
During the course of a single year, a single adult without children may expect to spend around $2,450 on medical treatment. It is reasonable to anticipate to pay $6,857 for a family of four with two working adults and two children.
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 99.7 |
| Helena | 100.3 |
| Bozeman | 103.3 |
| Missoula | 98.7 |
| Billings | 96.7 |
| Great Falls | 102.7 |
| Kalispell | 98 |
| Whitefish | 100.9 |
| Montana city | 100.2 |
| Butte | 104.4 |
Our cost of healthcare indices is based on a US average of 100
Does Montana have affordable health care?
Obamacare allows Montanans to obtain cheap private health insurance. Individuals, families, and self-employed professionals without workers can enroll in the plans. Bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans are available. Your medical expenditures are covered to the tune of 60% (bronze) to 90% (platinum) under your policy.
Are you required to have health insurance in Montana?
In accordance with the federal Affordable Care Act, all Montana citizens are obliged to obtain health insurance protection (ACA). The Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, mandates everyone to obtain health insurance, regardless of where they reside.
Is Montana Housing Expensive?
Despite the fact that rent prices in Montana are quite reasonable, living with a roommate may be an option worth exploring if you are looking to save money on your rent. When renting a two-bedroom apartment in Billings with a friend, you may save $252.50 per month, or $3,030.00 per year, compared to renting a one-bedroom apartment on your own in the same city.
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 95.8 |
| Helena | 108.7 |
| Bozeman | 187.8 |
| Missoula | 132.1 |
| Billings | 99.7 |
| Great Falls | 87 |
| Kalispell | 117 |
| Whitefish | 158.7 |
| Montana city | 100.4 |
| Butte | 57.3 |
Our cost of housing indices is based on a US average of 100
Are homes expensive in Montana?
The housing market in Montana is seeing a major expansion as a result of growing demand and limited supply. These high costs have a trickle-down effect on the rest of the economy, resulting in a higher cost of living than the national average. Click on how much does it cost to build a house in Montana? to find out more about it.
Average Rent by Bedroom
Although two-thirds of Montanans own homes, the state’s rentals are reasonably priced. According to Apartment List, the state’s typical studio rent is $554. That’s $277 less than the national average. One-bedroom apartments ($618) and two-bedroom apartments ($785) are both $333 and $395 below the US median.
Rents in Montana’s larger cities might be a bit more. Missoula’s studio median rent is $687, one bedroom $742, and two bedroom $918. Despite being over the state level, these rates are much below the national average.
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | $1850 |
| Helena | $947 |
| Bozeman | $1675 |
| Missoula | $1100 |
| Billings | $750 |
| Great Falls | $775 |
| Kalispell | $1525 |
| Whitefish | $1450 |
| Montana city | $945 |
| Butte | $700 |
Our cost of house rent indices is based on a US average of 100
What is the average cost of rent in Montana?
Despite the fact that two-thirds of Montana’s people own their homes, the state’s rental market offers some excellent bargains. According to a 2019 research by Apartment List, the median studio rent in the state is $554 per month. This amounts to a savings of $277 above the national average.
Is it expensive to rent in Montana?
Although there have been rent hikes in Montana, the average rent in the state continues to be 21.5% less expensive than the rest of the country.
Tax System in Montana
Montana’s income tax system is progressive, with marginal income tax rates ranging from 1.00% to 6.90% at the top and bottom of the scale. According to the Montana Department of Revenue, the state’s average effective property tax rate is 0.85%, which is much lower than the national average of 1.19%. Rates in Fallon County range from 0.47% to 1.56%, whereas those in Blaine County are higher.Montana does not have an estate tax as of the beginning of 2005.
Is Montana a tax free state?
For starters, there is no sales tax in the state, which decreases the cost of living in Montana for everyone. Its property taxes are likewise comparatively inexpensive compared to other cities. Many seniors, on the other hand, are subject to state and local taxes on their Social Security retirement income, which are completely free in most other states.
How much taxes do I pay in Montana?
Montana is a state that is reasonably friendly to taxpayers. Sales taxes are not levied in Big Sky Country, and property taxes are lower than the national average, with an average effective rate of 0.83 % on a per capita basis. The state does, however, impose a personal income tax, with rates ranging from 1 % to 6.9 % depending on income.
Montana Transportation System
Montana, on the other hand, is mostly a driving state. The average price of a gallon of petrol in Big Sky Country is $2.85, which is somewhat less than the national average of $2.92, according to GasBuddy statistics from May of this year. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the average commute time in the state is just 17.8 minutes, which is much less than the national average of 26.4 minutes.
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 75.1 |
| Helena | 60.8 |
| Bozeman | 71.3 |
| Missoula | 77.6 |
| Billings | 75.2 |
| Great Falls | 73.7 |
| Kalispell | 68.9 |
| Whitefish | 74.5 |
| Montana city | 75.2 |
| Butte | 72.8 |
Our cost of transportation indices is based on a US average of 100
How much does a road trip to Montana cost?
Taking a 7-day vacation to Montana will cost you around $1,195 for a single traveler, $1,750 for a couple, and $2,373 for a family of four on average. Montana hotels range in price from $66 to $303 per night, with an average of $107, while the majority of vacation rentals will cost between $220 and $630 per night for the full property, depending on the size.
Does Great Falls MT have public transportation?
Great Falls Transit runs public transport in Cascade County, Montana, and serves Great Falls and Black Eagle.Every Wednesday, transportation is provided to Great Falls for medical appointments, shopping, and connections with other forms of transportation. The bus will also provide service to Shelby, Havre, Fort Benton, and Big Sandy on other days of the week if necessary to meet the needs of the community.
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Energy and Fuel Consumption
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the United States, the average electric bill in the United States in 2018 was $117.65. In Montana, the average monthly power cost is $94.75. This isn’t the cheapest energy bill in the US (New Mexico wins the prize with a cost of $74.05), but it is much less expensive than the national average.
| Cities | Average cost (per month) |
| Livingston | $123 |
| Helena | $85 |
| Bozeman | $112 |
| Missoula | $108 |
| Billings | $140 |
| Great Falls | $120 |
| Kalispell | $90 |
| Whitefish | $85 |
| Montana city | $75 |
| Butte | $123 |
Our cost of energy and fuel indices is based on a US average of 100
What is the average electric bill in Montana?
Montana has a monthly average energy cost of $94.75, which is much less expensive than the national average of $111.67, according to statistics from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) for 2017.
Is gas cheaper in Montana or Wyoming?
Average gas price in Montana is relatively higher than in Wyoming. Regular average gas price in Montana is $3.546 and in Wyoming it is $3.502.
Miscellaneous Cost of Living in Montana
Montana is recognized for its outdoor activities. A seven-day car pass to Glacier National Park costs $35. Summer admission is valid from May 1 until October 31. Winter entry is $25 from November 1 and April 30. Individuals arriving by foot, bike, or business group pay $20 in the summer and $15 in the winter. A $70 yearly pass is available to locals.
| Cities | Average cost |
| Livingston | 100 |
| Helena | 103 |
| Bozeman | 101.6 |
| Missoula | 99.7 |
| Billings | 102 |
| Great Falls | 98.9 |
| Kalispell | 100.3 |
| Whitefish | 100.9 |
| Montana city | 98 |
| Butte | 97 |
Our cost of miscellaneous indices is based on a US average of 100
Cost of Living in Montana FAQs
Is Montana an affordable state to live in?
Despite the fact that home costs are on the increase, Montana is still an affordable location to live, making it an excellent spot to start a family. If you’re thinking about relocating to the Treasure State, here are seven places you should consider living in.
What are the pros and cons of living in Montana?
| Pros | Cons |
| Education | Weather |
| Cost of living Montana | Lack of housing |
| Job sector | Lots of tourists |
| Small population | Predator attack |
| Adventurous outdoor | A constant need of self-sufficient |
| Friendly and warm environment | Lack of public transport |
| Helpful neighbors | Many farms |
| No traffic | Minimum facilities |
Conclusion
We don’t blame you if you’re thinking of moving to Montana, the Treasure State to get away from it all. We hope that our comprehensive explanation of the question like how much does it cost to build a house in Montana or cost of living in Montana has answered some of your queries about the state’s living expenses.
Contact us now if you are considering a life-changing relocation that you will never forget! We will assist you in finding your new home in the lovely town of Montana!
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