Cost of Living in Plains, MT

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7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Plains Montana National
Cost of living93102100
Groceries105103100
Health care103102100
Housing74101100
Transportation98100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare101102100
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Homes For Sale In Plains, MT

property for sale

3 Appaloosa Ct

Plains, MT
property for sale

306 N Central Ave

Plains, MT
property for sale

4 Sunset Ct

Plains, MT
property for sale

291 River Rd W

Plains, MT

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Plains is 8% lower than the Montana average
  • The cost of living in Plains is 7% lower than the national average
  • Plains housing is 26% lower 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 Plains

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Compare Plains, 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
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$58,122$4,844$1,356$1,744
      Renters$27,479$2,290$641$824

      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.
      Weeksville, MT901021.5%
      Hot Springs, MT6468614.0%
      Paradise, MT1189010.0%
      Camas, MT91909.7%
      St. Regis, MT215927.9%
      Plains, MT1,039936.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Carlton, MN1,039955.1%
      Eden Valley, MN1,039909.6%
      Linton, ND1,0398119.0%
      Chapmanville, WV1,0398415.5%
      Grande-Vallée, QC1,039n/a 
      Plains, MT1,039936.8%
      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.
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