Cheapest Places to Live in Montana

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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: 6,107 15% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $200,055 Med. Rent: $1,097 Med. Household Inc.: $51,235

With a cost of living index that is 15% 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.

Glendive Population: 5,228 12% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $252,017 Med. Rent: $1,028 Med. Household Inc.: $69,887

The second most affordable city in Montana is Glendive and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 12% 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.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Population: 9,366 12% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $228,443 Med. Rent: $832 Med. Household Inc.: $63,841

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Montana, with a cost of living that is 12% 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.

Havre Population: 9,938 9% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $301,285 Med. Rent: $1,114 Med. Household Inc.: $74,388

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. Havre offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 9% 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 .

Great Falls Population: 60,209 7% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $335,395 Med. Rent: $1,113 Med. Household Inc.: $73,438

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Great Falls is ideal, with a cost of living that is 7% 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.

Laurel Population: 6,995 6% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $305,599 Med. Rent: $1,247 Med. Household Inc.: $83,463

Laurel 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.

Miles City Population: 8,698 6% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $295,114 Med. Rent: $1,371 Med. Household Inc.: $80,101

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Miles City 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.

Lockwood Population: 8,497 3% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $357,250 Med. Rent: $1,293 Med. Household Inc.: $91,531

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. Lockwood fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 3% cheaper than Montana.

Polson Population: 5,165 2% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $354,019 Med. Rent: $1,162 Med. Household Inc.: $59,293

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. Polson is one of the most affordable cities in Montana, and has a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than the state average.

Helena Valley Southeast Population: 8,816 1% cheaper than Montana average

Med. Home Value: $397,364 Med. Rent: $1,446 Med. Household Inc.: $89,707

With a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than Montana, Helena Valley Southeast 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	6,107	87	$200,055	$51,235
2	Glendive	5,228	90	$252,017	$69,887
3	Anaconda-Deer Lodge County	9,366	91	$228,443	$63,841
4	Havre	9,938	94	$301,285	$74,388
5	Great Falls	60,209	96	$335,395	$73,438
6	Laurel	6,995	96	$305,599	$83,463
7	Miles City	8,698	96	$295,114	$80,101
8	Lockwood	8,497	100	$357,250	$91,531
9	Polson	5,165	101	$354,019	$59,293
10	Helena Valley Southeast	8,816	102	$397,364	$89,707
11	Sidney	6,559	102	$428,181	$88,139
12	Columbia Falls	5,854	104	$398,298	$71,202
13	Billings	113,244	104	$412,401	$89,189
14	Helena	33,820	106	$473,868	$89,267
15	Evergreen	8,660	106	$393,115	$88,728
16	Kalispell	24,848	107	$440,461	$71,294
17	Butte-Silver Bow	35,459	108	$287,308	$74,846
18	Helena Valley West Central	8,319	109	$467,751	$109,665
19	Missoula	77,349	114	$531,012	$76,536
20	Orchard Homes	5,688	116	$554,193	$106,295
21	Livingston	7,998	117	$412,257	$66,723
22	Belgrade	9,499	122	$462,344	$93,865
23	Whitefish	8,333	129	$749,149	$76,572
24	Bozeman	49,943	140	$729,130	$89,450

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.