8 cities · Updated March 2026
Montana has a cost of living close to the national average, with an average index of 95 across its 8 tracked cities. The average monthly rent across Montana cities is $1,145, with median household incomes averaging $69,810 per year. The cheapest city is Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana (index 63) and the most expensive is Bozeman (index 143).
Montana has a moderate tax environment with a 6.75% top income tax rate, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% effective property tax rate.
Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)
| # | City | Cost Index | Rent | Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana | 63 | $808/mo | $57,633 | $225,100 | 34,929 |
| 2 | Great Falls | 68 | $866/mo | $63,934 | $237,400 | 60,412 |
| 3 | Billings | 86 | $1,097/mo | $71,855 | $311,800 | 118,321 |
| 4 | Helena | 89 | $1,058/mo | $69,341 | $355,100 | 33,126 |
| 5 | Kalispell | 92 | $1,019/mo | $61,590 | $381,400 | 26,830 |
| 6 | Missoula | 101 | $1,120/mo | $65,329 | $427,400 | 75,600 |
| 7 | Belgrade | 125 | $1,582/mo | $88,896 | $469,600 | 11,425 |
| 8 | Bozeman | 143 | $1,611/mo | $79,903 | $614,900 | 55,042 |
Common questions about cost of living in Montana