Helena, MT

Below Avg · 89

Montana · Population 33,126 · Updated March 2026

$1,058
Median Rent / Month
$69,341
Median Income
$355,100
Median Home Value
$1,098
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Helena

18.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Montana

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

6.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
0%
Sales Tax
0.74%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$12,696
Annual Rent
$4,681
State Income Tax
$2,628
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Helena offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 89 (where 100 equals the national median), Helena residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,058/month while earning a median household income of $69,341/year.

The median home value in Helena, MT is $355,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,098 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Montana has a moderate income tax rate of 6.75%. Combined with a 0% sales tax rate and 0.74% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Helena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Helena

What is the cost of living in Helena, MT?
The cost of living index in Helena, MT is 89 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,058, median household income is $69,341/year, and the median home value is $355,100.
Is Helena, MT affordable?
Yes, Helena is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 89. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Helena, MT?
The median gross rent in Helena, MT is $1,058 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,696.
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena, MT is $69,341 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Montana?
Montana has a top income tax rate of 6.75%, a sales tax of 0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.74%.