| Index | Great Falls | Montana | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 102 | 100 |
| Groceries | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 102 | 100 |
| Housing | 95 | 101 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Utilities | 105 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 106 | 102 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Great Falls is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Great Falls is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Great Falls is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 15 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Great Falls. The results indicated that 13% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 87% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Is Great Falls an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Great Falls is 2.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Great Falls has a median household income of $73,438, which is 9.7% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Great Falls, the utilities index stands at 4.5% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Great Falls, the healthcare costs are 1.8% higher than the national average.
The Great Falls cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $99,575 | $8,298 | $2,323 | $2,988 |
| Renters | $45,848 | $3,821 | $1,070 | $1,376 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Montana | 0% | 0% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Montana | 1% | 6.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Gibson Flats, MT | 212 | 103 | 2.5% |
| Black Eagle, MT | 868 | 92 | 8.0% |
| Stockett, MT | 196 | 92 | 7.9% |
| Vaughn, MT | 906 | 93 | 6.7% |
| Sun Prairie, MT | 1,649 | 94 | 5.6% |
| Great Falls, MT | 60,209 | 100 | 0.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Orland Park, IL | 60,161 | 114 | 14.2% |
| Des Plaines, IL | 60,159 | 112 | 12.4% |
| Greenwood, IN | 60,157 | 97 | 2.7% |
| Casper, WY | 60,154 | 102 | 2.1% |
| Bowie, MD | 60,153 | 134 | 34.1% |
| Great Falls, MT | 60,209 | 100 | 0.3% |
Here are the best places to live in Montana
These are the largest cities in Montana
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Montana