Cheapest Places to Live in Montana

Montana, known for its stunning natural beauty, wide open spaces, and outdoor recreational opportunities, offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Landmarks such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield highlight the state's appeal. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and energy. Montana's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Montana remains one of the more affordable states in the western region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Montana an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Montana can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Montana include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Lewistown Population: 5,923 16% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $111,500 Med. Rent: $728 Med. Household Inc.: $34,065

With a cost of living index that is 16% cheaper than the state average, Lewistown is the cheapest place to live in Montana. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Lewistown provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Havre Population: 9,739 10% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $163,300 Med. Rent: $735 Med. Household Inc.: $50,635

The second most affordable city in Montana is Havre and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the Montana average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Glendive Population: 5,030 9% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $142,600 Med. Rent: $687 Med. Household Inc.: $47,541

Glendive lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Montana, with a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Great Falls Population: 58,717 8% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $181,500 Med. Rent: $748 Med. Household Inc.: $49,809

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Great Falls offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Polson Population: 5,033 6% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $193,200 Med. Rent: $765 Med. Household Inc.: $39,604

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Polson is ideal, with a cost of living that is 6% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Montana average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Population: 9,153 6% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $129,100 Med. Rent: $542 Med. Household Inc.: $42,129

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Montana and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 6% cheaper than Montana. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Columbia Falls Population: 5,651 3% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $218,100 Med. Rent: $785 Med. Household Inc.: $48,427

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Columbia Falls is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Miles City Population: 8,372 1% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $159,800 Med. Rent: $907 Med. Household Inc.: $53,571

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Miles City fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than Montana.

Butte-Silver Bow Population: 34,263 1% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $156,400 Med. Rent: $678 Med. Household Inc.: $49,659

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Butte-Silver Bow is one of the most affordable cities in Montana, and has a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than the state average.

Evergreen Population: 8,416 1% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $213,700 Med. Rent: $1,094 Med. Household Inc.: $59,338

With a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than Montana, Evergreen comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Montana. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Montana

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Lewistown	5,923	85	$111,500	$34,065
2	Havre	9,739	91	$163,300	$50,635
3	Glendive	5,030	92	$142,600	$47,541
4	Great Falls	58,717	94	$181,500	$49,809
5	Polson	5,033	95	$193,200	$39,604
6	Anaconda-Deer Lodge County	9,153	96	$129,100	$42,129
7	Columbia Falls	5,651	98	$218,100	$48,427
8	Miles City	8,372	100	$159,800	$53,571
9	Butte-Silver Bow	34,263	100	$156,400	$49,659
10	Evergreen	8,416	101	$213,700	$59,338
11	Helena Valley Southeast	8,546	101	$224,200	$59,541
12	Laurel	6,797	101	$174,100	$56,902
13	Helena	32,655	104	$263,300	$60,074
14	Sidney	6,351	104	$241,200	$60,284
15	Lockwood	8,206	104	$199,600	$62,572
16	Helena Valley West Central	8,042	107	$257,200	$74,632
17	Kalispell	23,935	108	$242,500	$47,750
18	Billings	109,705	109	$233,700	$60,032
19	Missoula	74,994	109	$301,700	$50,947
20	Livingston	7,696	110	$231,400	$44,591
21	Orchard Homes	5,480	112	$315,000	$71,316
22	Belgrade	9,184	115	$255,100	$62,335
23	Whitefish	8,032	131	$425,000	$51,821
24	Bozeman	48,330	134	$412,500	$59,695

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Montana, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.