12 Things to Know Before Moving to Montana, 2022

The song “America the Beautiful” literally referred to Montana in the lyrics that identify purple mountains' majesty and amber waves of grain. Not surprisingly, the landscape, culture, and wildlife make it a desirable place for newcomers. In addition, the state is known for its natural resources, limited population, and unlimited access to nature and outdoor recreation.

So if you’re ready to pack up and move to the Big Sky Country, here’s what you need to know before you go.

1. What's It Like Living in Montana

Montana is massive in size yet small in population, with only 1.1 million people spanning nearly 150,000 square miles. The state is the fourth-largest in the country but is not known for being exceptionally diverse, with minimal bilingual speakers. 94.8% of the population of Montana speaks English at home.

The state is located in the Western United States, in a subregion known as the Mountain West. Montana is surrounded by Canadian provinces to the north, North and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and Idaho to the west.

Of the eight mountain states in the country, Montana is the largest, which means its climate, elevation, topography, and geography can vary significantly from one region to the next. For example, Eastern Montana has a semiarid, continental climate, while Western Montana has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate.

2. Cost of Living in Montana

Montana has a relatively low cost of living, which means it's possible to find a reasonable cost of living nearly anywhere in the state you decide to live. The overall cost of living in Montana is 94, lower than the US average of 100. Try using our rent calculator to estimate how much to spend on rent.

Using the popular city of Kalispell, as an example, according to Payscale, the cost of living in Montana is 4% lower, and housing is 15% lower than the national average.

Here’s an idea of how much things cost when moving to Montana, as reported by Payscale:

• Energy bill: $153.41
• Loaf of bread: $3.46
• Doctor’s visit: $116.13
• $2.42 for a gallon of gas

But, if you’re looking to save even more, you can keep an eye out for rent specials or team up with roommates if needed.

Bozeman

Bozeman offers great neighborhoods, low crime rates, and a sense of community. As a result, it has become increasingly popular since the pandemic. The average monthly net salary in Hilo is $3,804.90. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $16.00.

Median rents in Bozeman stand at $1,875 for a one-bedroom and $1,900 for a two-bedroom. That's above the national average of $1,101 for a one-bedroom.

Missoula

Missoula is the second-most populated city in Montana that still very much embraces an inclusive, hardworking, kind, and creative community.

The cost of living in Missoula is more affordable than in Bozeman. Research shows that the average monthly net salary in Missoula is $2,737.00. Additionally, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in the city is $11.50.

Missoula's median rents stand at $1,095 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,363 for a two-bedroom. The more densely populated areas will have the highest rent prices in Montana.

Helena

Helena is another great Montana city filled with great people and even better views. It’s a small town with just enough to keep you busy throughout the year.

In Helena, the cost of living is even more affordable than in Bozeman or Missoula. For example, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in the city is $15.00.

Median rents in Helena stand at $947 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,195 for a two-bedroom.

Affordable, Family-Friendly Cities

Montana offers family-friendly parks, hiking, and several other outdoor activities. There's always something to do or see in the Big Sky Country.

Whitefish, Bozeman, Libby, and Lewistown are all affordable cities for families in Montana. But, depending on where you live, schools can be an issue. So, it may take some creativity to find an area with the schools you need for your family.

3. Taxes in Montana

While Montana has a progressive income tax, which tops out at 6.9%, there are no property taxes or sales taxes.

4. Montana Job Market and Economy

Though it may come as a surprise, Montana has become a hub for microbrewing. Other significant industries throughout the state root back to their origins in mineral extraction and lumber. Due to the beautiful nature of Montana, tourism is also a substantial contributor to the Montana economy.

The biggest employers in Montana are Talen Montana, Fringe Benefit Resources, Billings Clinic, and Benefis Hospitals.

5. Public Transportation in Montana

Some public transportation options are available throughout Montana, including planes, trains, buses, and vans. But, unfortunately, options are pretty limited.

Uber and Lyft are available in more densely populated regions. But, in more rural areas, it would be impossible to rely on these options for transportation.

Car culture is strong throughout the Big Sky Country, as it’s tricky to get around without one. The good news is, once you get out of the cities, driving could turn into a favorite pastime around Montana. Since the state is vast and beautiful, most drives will include scenic views of the mountain ranges or wild animals throughout the state.

6. Weather in Montana

Weather across the large state of Montana can vary, but you can rest assured all regions experience all four seasons. Billings has the best climate in the state, receiving only 14 inches of rain annually and summer weather averaging between 60 and 90 degrees.

7. Montana Attractions

Montana is a playground for attractions, from national parks, museums, historical landmarks, etc.

National Parks

Montana is home to seven national parks located throughout the state. The most popular are Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Glacier National Park

Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park is located in Northwest Montana. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, some of the top hikes lead to mountain chalets, receding glaciers, and hidden lakes.

Yellowstone National Park

The north entrance to Yellowstone National Park can be found in Gardiner, Montana, despite most of the 2.2 million acres of the park being in Wyoming. The Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the first stops from the Montana entrance to the park.

Notable Museums

In addition to national parks, Montana is also home to over 200 museums, the two most famous of which include the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls and the American Computer and Robotics Museum in Bozeman.

C.M. Russell Museum

The home of C.M. Russell has become a gallery of his works that date as far back as the 1880s. The cabin was constructed by hand, and the museum also included a 70,000 square foot space exhibiting over 13,000 objects from this time.

American Computer and Robotics Museum

The American Computer and Robotics Museum (ACRM) began in 1990 and boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of communication, transportation, and robotics technologies throughout history and into the present.

Historical Landmarks

You will also find 28 National Historic Landmarks throughout Montana. Two noteworthy landmarks include the Bannack Historic District and the Butte-Anaconda Historic District.

Bannack Historic District

The Bannack Historic District marks where gold was first discovered in Montana in 1862.

Butte-Anaconda Historic District

More than 6,000 contributing properties make up the Butte-Anaconda Historic District, one of the country's largest and most famous boomtowns.

Things to Do

From unbeatable shorelines and picturesque mountain ranges, Montana truly has it all. Here are some of the things you must do while living in this state.

Spend the Afternoon at Flathead Lake

With 185 miles of shoreline and 200 square miles of water, Flathead is the largest natural lake in the country's western region. Water enthusiasts and anglers flock to Flathead to enjoy over 2,000 acres of this state park.

Listen to the Ringing Rocks

The Boulder Batholith is home to the famous Ringing Rocks, which lie just outside of Butte. If you tap the rocks with a mallet, you can hear a melodic chime. You can only find these unique rock formations in a few places worldwide.

8. Food Scene and Nightlife in Montana

The land is what Montana is known for, providing tons of food for residents. Some of the best beef in the country comes out of Montana, as do exceptional morels, chokecherries, huckleberries, and bison.

You’ll also find a good assortment of restaurants, with some of the most popular being Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls, Montana Ale Works in Bozeman, and Five on Black in Missoula.

Those looking for retail therapy in Montana need look no further than Billings. Known as the biggest shopping city in the state, Billings has countless unique treasures blended with local and national stores.

9. Major Annual Montana Events

Montana's breathtaking views all around make it a popular choice for major events, including:

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous - in August in Lewistown, you’ll find the four-day festival, including cowboy poetry and western music.

Montana Folk Festival - every July in Butte, you’ll find this free music festival celebrating folk music culture.

Lewis and Clark Festival - in Great Falls every June, this three-day festival takes place to relive history.

Little Bighorn Days - June marks the Little Bighorn Days in Hardin, where the Battle of Little Bighorn is re-enacted.

Whitefish Winter Carnival - according to National Geographic, the Whitefish Winter Carnival was ranked as one of the world’s top 10 Winter Carnivals.

Evel Knievel Days - every July, Butte brings the three-day Evel Knievel Days celebration of his legacy with skateboards, mountain bikes, BMX, and motorcycles.

Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival - gather the whole family for a good time each July and enjoy local vendors, cooking contests, and cherry pie.

Testy Festy - the largest and most popular Testicle Festival in Montana is Testy Festy in Clinton which takes place each August and includes the Undie 500 as the main event.

The Sweet Pea Festival - the first weekend of every August in Bozeman is when The Sweet Pea Festival takes place, including food, entertainment, and Shakespeare in the Park.

10. Sports in Montana

Montana has no professional sports teams since the population is small and scattered.

11. Top Universities in Montana

The Montana University System is made up of three community colleges and two universities. The Montana State University Bozeman has five different campuses, including two in Bozeman, and two in Billings, Havre, and Great Falls. The University of Montana Missoula also has five campuses at Missoula, two in Butte, Dillon, Helena, and Hamilton.

There are also seven tribal colleges and four private colleges in Montana.

12. What City in Montana Should You Make Your Home?

Montana's best city to move to depends on your lifestyle preferences, career aspirations, and budget.

Moving to Bozeman is ideal if you want access to more metropolitan amenities and culture while still having access to the small-town lifestyle. Living in Montana's most densely populated city will be pricier than your other options.

Missoula and Helena are other terrific options if you’re looking for something more affordable. Additionally, if you’re looking to get out of the city lifestyle, you might find these to be a better fit.

Final Thoughts

Ready to move to Montana’s flourishing, peaceful and charming cities but unsure about the cost of living in Montana? Hopefully, you’ve got a better idea and can start searching around in some of your ideal cities.

Register for Apartment List to find your perfect neighborhood and apartment in Montana.

FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to Montana

What’s the weather in Montana?

Of the eight mountain states in the country, Montana is the largest, meaning its climate, elevation, topography, and geography can vary significantly from one region to the next. Eastern Montana has a semiarid, continental climate, while Western Montana has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate.

What’s the timezone in Montana?

Montana’s time zone is Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) or Mountain Standard Time (MST), depending on the time of year. It is also Greenwich Mean Time - 6 (GMT-6), two hours behind New York City.

What to do in Montana?

Montana’s biggest draw is its pristine outdoors, beckoning hikers, snow sport lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Glacier National Park is among the most popular attractions in Montana. In addition, the state is home to countless historical museums, which are also worth checking out.

What region is Montana In?

The state lies in the Western United States in a subregion known as the Mountain West. Montana is surrounded by Canadian provinces to the north, North and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and Idaho to the west.

What are the benefits of moving to Montana?

Montana's welcoming culture, unbeatable mountain ranges, and wildlife viewing make it an attractive option for college students, millennials, and retirees looking for a desirable place to live, work, and play. In short, moving to Montana offers tons of benefits!

What are the pros and cons of living in Montana?

The pros of living in Montana include the warm and friendly environment, helpful neighbors, no traffic, and adventurous outdoors. The cons of living in Montana include the lack of facilities, minimal public transportation, risk of predator attacks, and weather. Every city has its pros and cons.

What’s the best neighborhood to move to in Montana?

The five best cities to move to in Montana are Bozeman, Dillon, Four Corners, East Helena, and Helena.

What’s it like living in Montana?

The small-town lifestyle is prominent throughout Montana, even in Bozeman's most densely populated city. Thankfully, the lower cost of living also comes with this lifestyle, which residents look forward to.

What are the taxes in Montana?

Montana has a progressive income tax, which tops out at 6.9%. Additionally, there are no property taxes or sales taxes in Montana.

What jobs are popular in Montana?

Some might find it surprising, but Montana has become a hub for microbrewing. Other significant industries throughout the state root back to their origins in mineral extraction and lumber. Due to the beautiful nature of Montana, tourism is also a substantial contributor to the Montana economy.

What universities are in Montana?

The Montana University System is made up of three community colleges and two universities. The Montana State University Bozeman has five campuses, including Bozeman and two in Billings, Havre, and Great Falls. The University of Montana Missoula also has five campuses at Missoula, two in Butte, Dillon, Helena, and Hamilton.

What are things to do in Montana?

There are plenty of things to do in Montana, whether you like spending your time exploring year-round festivals and events or taking a hike in the great outdoors. Or, if you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, the beef in Montana will not disappoint.