Cost of Living in Montana [2025]

Montana is most famous for its purple mountains majesties and amber waves of grains. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, the state is also home to several mineral deposits, including everything from coal and oil to silver and gold. Not surprisingly, it has been nicknamed the Treasure State.

Despite being the fourth largest state in the country, Montana remains the 44th-most populated, with an average of fewer than seven people per square mile. Offering great scenic areas and natural resources, in this state, the elk and antelope outnumber the humans. Montana is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of busy downtowns and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

If you’re considering a move to Montana, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll first want to check out this apartment guide. Next, you’ll want to do some research to find out what Montana’s cost of living prices look like. Thankfully, here at Apartment List, you can take a closer look at the cost of living in Montana to gain a better understanding of what type of budget you’ll need to live comfortably.

Cost of Living in Montana

What is the Cost of Living in Montana?

According to data from Best Places, the cost of living in Montana aligns exactly with the national average. There are some categories in the cost of living categories that are more expensive in Montana than the rest of the U.S. For example, housing is 21.3% higher. On the upside, transportation is 24.8% lower in Montana than the national average. As a general rule, you'll spend more living in cities in Montana and less in rural, non-touristy areas.

Where Is Cost of Living Highest in Montana?

The most expensive city in Montana is Bozeman. Newcomers will find the cost of living is 25.7% higher compared to the state and national average. Tourists towns like Big Sky, Montana also have a 25.7% higher cost of living than the state and national average.

Where Is Cost of Living Lowest in Montana?

The cheapest major city in Montana is Great Falls, with a 12.1%% lower cost of livng compared to the state and national average. The only cost of living category in Great Falls that is higher than the national and satte average is healthcare, at a reasonable 2.7% increase.

How Much Is Rent in Montana?

As of December 2024, the current overall average rent in Montana is $1,076 a month. In a major city like Bozeman, the rental rates are significantly higher. Our latest rent report shows the median rent in Bozeman is $2,078 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,442 for a two-bedroom apartment. By comparison, Billings offers a more affordable option with median rents of $1,112 for a one-bedroom and $1,292 for a two-bedroom. Missoula's median rent is $1,432 for a one-bedroom and $1,670 for a two-bedroom.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 1-Bedroom in Montana?

The cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Montana will vary depending on the city you move to. The statewide average rent is $1,076 per month, but prices are higher in major cities. In Bozeman, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,078, reflecting its status as one of the most expensive rental markets in the state. Missoula offers a more mid-range option at $1,432, while Billings is the most affordable among the three major cities, with a median rent of $1,112 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 2-Bedroom in Montana?

The cost to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Montana will depend on where you live. Bozeman is the most expensive option, with an average rent of $2,442 per month. Missoula offers a more mid-range cost at $1,670 per month, while Billings provides the most affordable option, with an average rent of $1,292 per month.

How Much Does a House Cost in Montana?

If you're thinking about leaving behind rental properties and moving into home ownership, here's a look at the median home prices in different Montana cities.

The overall median home price in the state of Montana is $441,800.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Montana?

When you have rental data, you can calculate your recommended salary by utilizing the 30% rule, which says you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent. To determine how much money you will need to make to live comfortably in Montana, you can use the overall average of $1,076 a month. According to the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least three times the amount of rent you expect to pay, which means you would need to earn around $43,040 a year to comfortably afford average rent in Montana.

It's also wise to look at the rest of the data about Montana's wages and living comfortably. According to MIT's data, the living wage in Montana is $20.37 an hour for a single adult, or about $42,370 a year. This figure reflects the basic income you need to comfortably afford the essentials.

If you look at the U.S. Census Bureau, you'll see the median household income in Montana is $69,922 a year, or about $33.61 an hour. By comparison, the median household income for the U.S. is $78,538 a year, or about $37.78 per hour.

How Much Is Transportation in Montana?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, average annual transportation costs are about $10,575 for a single individual. Larger families, such as families of four with two working parents and two children, can anticipate paying around $17,739 in annual transportation costs.

Throughout the state of Montana, you’ll find public transportation such as vans, buses, planes, and trains. In some areas, though, you absolutely must have a vehicle of your own to get around. You can find out more information about what is available through the Montana Department of Transportation website.

Considering the limited access to public transportation throughout the state, having a vehicle in Montana is probably the best way to get around. Thankfully, gas prices in the state are relatively low compared to the rest of the country and range from approximately $3.76 to $3.82 per gallon, depending on the city.

How Do Groceries Cost in Montana?

The average single Montana resident spends around $4,274 on food or roughly $356.16 per month. For a four-person family with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $12,563 annually or approximately $1,046.92 per month.

While these food costs sound relatively reasonable compared to other states, it’s important to remember that these figures are associated with food that has been picked up at the local Whole Foods Market, Pavilions, or The Farms, and has been entirely prepared in the home. You will likely need to add a considerable amount to properly budget for dining out if home-cooked food isn't your primary source of meals.

Game meat is a must-eat in Montana, especially elk. At some point, you’ll have to do yourself a favor and try a juicy elk burger, known for leaner and higher protein than what is found in beef.

Here is a breakdown of the average cost for a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, with three courses, by city:

• Bozeman: $100
• Missoula: $80
• Billings: $60

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Montana?

A single adult without children can anticipate paying around $2,432 for medical care in a single year in Montana. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $8,433.

Regardless of where you live, having proper healthcare is a crucial. You’ll want to ensure you have proper health insurance whether you have a health condition that requires frequent care or you only visit a doctor for annual checkups. Having health insurance provides you with the necessary treatment should emergencies occur.

The federal healthcare marketplace lists out coverage for Montana residents. Since relocating outside of an enrollment period can cause complications, be sure to report your move to qualify for out-of-state coverage.

You might be able to maintain your coverage when moving to a new state if you are under 26 and still on your parent’s insurance plan. Check through your parent’s provider to see if your new Montana hometown has doctors that fall within the network.

How Much Are Utilities in Montana?

Despite Montana’s cold winters, utilities typically fall well below the national average of $253 monthly. The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment, is only $215 a month in Montana. By utility type, that breaks down to $121.28 for electricity, $56.53 for gas, $31.32 for water, and $6.29 for fuel.

Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!

These costs cover basic utilities, but they do not cover additional items such as the internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are:

• Billings: $67.50
• Missoula: $65.29
• Great Falls: $65.29
• Bozeman: $71.75
• Butte-Silver Bow: $60.83

If you consider cell phone costs as well, you’ll add an average of $94 monthly. You can seek discounts on these monthly costs by bundling your cell phone with your internet provider or new customer discounts.

Montana Fitness and Entertainment

Montana has plenty of fitness and entertainment opportunities, depending on your personal preferences. If you choose to live in this beautiful state, you will likely take the time to enjoy the outdoors. Just don’t forget to account for some of your fitness and entertainment expenses in your budget.

Gym Memberships

Winters are notoriously snowy, freezing, and partly cloudy in Montana. With that in mind, you will likely require a gym membership to maintain your fitness year-round. Thankfully, the average cost of a fitness club in major cities throughout Montana are considerably affordable:

• Bozeman: $65
• Missoula: $56.65
• Billings: $48.33

As the weather allows in other seasons, you can save on some of your gym membership fees by taking up other outdoor activities. Some of the popular Montana adventures include running, rafting, and hiking, all of which you could partake in at one of the plentiful National or State Parks.

State and National Parks in Montana

Montana is home to seven national state parks. Entrance fees vary, but you can also purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass annual pass for $80, which allows access to all of the parks, the most popular being:

• Big Hole National Battlefield
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
• Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
• Glacier National Park
• Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
• Yellowstone National Park

Aside from national parks, Montana has an astonishing 55 state parks. Residents of Montana can pay a $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration to enter state parks for free. Otherwise, day entrance fees are $8 per vehicle. Some of the most popular state parks include:

• Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
• Pictograph Cave State Park
• Lost Creek State Park
• Tongue River Reservoir State Park
• Travelers’ Rest State Park

Visit a Famed Attraction

For a day full of adventure and exploration, Montana has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike. Visiting Glacier National Park for awe-inspiring landscapes is a must, or a day trip to Yellowstone National Park to see its famous geysers and wildlife. For history buffs, the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman or the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

How Much Are Taxes in Montana?

Good news! Montana does not have a state sales tax, which is a major financial benefit for residents of the Treasure State. However, the state does charge sales tax on certain goods and services, including medical marijuana sales, accommodations, and campgrounds. There's also a lodging facility use tax and a targeted sales and use tax on the base rental charges for vehicles.

There is also a state income tax of 1% to 6.75%, depending on your income level. Depending on where you live, you may find some cities impose local taxes on specific services or goods, such as lodging or prepared food. It's a good idea to check your local area’s tax policies to figure out how it may impact your budget.

Other Expenses to Consider in Montana

One major downside to living in Montana is its progressive income tax rate, with a top rate of 6.9%. Thankfully, to help balance this, the state has no sales tax and property taxes that fall below the national average.

If you move from out of state, you’ll have even more expenses to consider. Extra costs you will have to budget include transportation, hotels, movers, and storage. Other things to consider are pet deposits, security deposits, and apartment application fees.

You’re also going to want to decorate your new Montana apartment to make it truly feel like home. Learn some tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to help keep you from overspending in this area as well.

Looking for an Apartment in Montana?

Montana offers rental opportunities for all, from apartment complexes to remote, single-family homes. Unlike more densely populated states across the country, in Montana, you can choose just how much space you want between you and your neighbor.

Montana might be the place for you if you are looking to move somewhere where you can have the vast wilderness in your backyard and fully enjoy each season. Register with Apartment List today and start browsing available apartments for rent in Montana!

FAQs: Cost of Living in Montana

How expensive is an apartment in Montana?

As of December, 2024, apartment costs in Montana will vary depending on the city, but the average overall cost is $1,076 per month.

Bozeman has median rents of $2,078 for a one-bedroom and $2,442 for a two-bedroom apartment. Missoula's one-bedroom apartments rent for $1,432 and $1,670 for a two-bedroom apartment. Billings is the most affordable major city with a median rent of $1,112 for a one-bedroom and $1,292 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What is the cheapest rent in Montana?

Billings is the most affordable big city in Bozeman. Rents run $1,112 for a one-bedroom and $1,292 for a two-bedroom apartment.

How expensive is it to live in Montana?

Living in Bozeman, Montana, is the most expensive area of Montana. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $2,078 per month, while a two-bedroom costs $2,442 per month. Food costs in Montana are also a significant line item in your budget, with a single resident spending about $356 per month on groceries, and a dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging $100. Transportation adds to the cost, with annual expenses around $10,575 per year.

What is the population of Montana?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Montana is 1,132,812. It is the fourth largest state in the country.

What is a good salary in Montana?

A good salary in Montana depends on the location. If you follow the 30% rule and spend no more than 30% of your income on rent, you need to earn around $43,040 per year to afford the statewide average rent of $1,076 per month. According to MIT's data, the living wage in Montana is approximately $20.37 per hour, or about $42,370 per year for a single adult. You can also look at the U.S. Census Bureau, which reports a median household income of $69,922 per year in Montana.