B
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Helena Valley West Central Montana National
Cost of living113102100
Groceries102103100
Health care101102100
Housing140101100
Transportation102100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare103102100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Helena Valley West Central is 12% higher than the Montana average
  • The cost of living in Helena Valley West Central is 13% higher than the national average
  • Helena Valley West Central housing is 40% higher than the national average
  • Montana general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Montana state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Helena Valley West Central

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Compare Helena Valley West Central, MT Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$119,429$9,952$2,786$3,583
      Renters$62,086$5,174$1,449$1,863
      The affordability of the housing market in Helena Valley West Central, MT as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Helena Valley West Central homeowners, the median income is $119,429. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,786 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $62,086. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,449 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Montana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Montana 0% 0%

      Montana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Montana 1% 6.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Marysville, MT73973.3%
      East Helena, MT1,7311022.0%
      Helena Valley Southeast, MT8,8161065.8%
      Helena, MT33,8201109.8%
      Helena Valley Northwest, MT4,40311211.8%
      Helena Valley West Central, MT8,31911313.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ellsworth, ME8,3191000.3%
      Garden City Park, NY8,32217069.9%
      Crestwood Village, NJ8,315964.2%
      Rolling Hills Estates, CA8,314274174.1%
      Richland Hills, TX8,314982.1%
      Helena Valley West Central, MT8,31911313.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.