The average cost of living in Montana is $1,536.3 per month.
Montana is one of the most beautiful states that any nature lover will love calling home. Montana is most famous for its beautiful, vast purple mountains and amber waves of grains. In addition to that, the state has several mineral deposits, including coal, oil, silver, and gold.
It is the fourth-largest state in the U.S. by area and the 44th most popular state in the United States. Moving to Montana is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get out of the hustle, bustle of busy downtowns, and breathe the fresh mountain air.
The biggest advantage of living in Montana is the affordable cost of living. In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about the cost of living in Montana. So, let’s take a look!
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo using data from Montana’s most populous city, Billings, and trusted city-related websites, including Billings Met Transit and City of Montana. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in Montana – 2024
Housing costs in Montana
Cost of rent in Montana, CA
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Billings (Outside of Center) |
$933.33 |
$2,000.00 |
Cost of buying a property in Montana
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Billings |
$381,186 |
Utility costs in Montana: Internet, electricity, and water
Whether you own a house or pay the rent, you must cover the utility cost. However, despite Montana’s cold winters, the utility price falls below the national average.
Billings’ average residential electricity rate is 2.02% below the national average of 11.88¢/kWh. Residential rates in the U.S. vary from 8.37¢/kWh to 37.34¢/kWh.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$127.54 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$67.50 |
|
Total |
$195.04 |
Electricity Local (Oct 2023) & Numbeo (Oct 2023)
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Grocery costs in Montana
Food is another everyday expense that significantly impacts the overall cost of living in an area. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the cost of food varies from state to state.
The current inflation rate in Montana, at 8.6%, is the highest annual increase since December 1981, and consumers are experiencing it noticeably at the grocery store.
A single adult in Montana may spend around $241.56 monthly on groceries.
|
Grocery items in Montana |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$3.37 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$3.40 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.00 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$5.00 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$7.08 |
|
Chicken Filets (1 lb) |
$5.24 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$5.91 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.27 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.62 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$1.76 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.79 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$0.99 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.67 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$1.98 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$13.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$1.73 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$1.58 |
KPAX News (June 2022) & Numbeo (Oct 2023)
Public transit in Montana
Public transportation in Montana is well organized, except in some areas where you must have your vehicle. However, owning a car in Montana is relatively not expensive, and the prices in the state are relatively low compared to the rest of the country.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket |
$2.00 |
|
Daily pass |
$4.00 |
|
Monthly pass |
$28.00 |
Billings Met Transit (Oct 2023)
Entertainment costs in Montana
Montana boasts stunning natural parks like the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park, while also being known for its Native American heritage.
|
Entertainment in Montana |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$29.37 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$50.00 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$14.00 |
|
Total |
$93.37 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & Numbeo (Oct 2023)
Sales tax in Montana
Montana has a 0% state sales tax rate, with an average sales tax rate of 0% after local surtaxes. However, some cities and tourist destinations impose their own local sales taxes. Additionally, tourism-related businesses like hotels and campgrounds have a 7% tax, while rental car companies face a 4% tax.
Healthcare costs in Montana
Montana does not have a state-specific health insurance mandate, and the federal mandate no longer exists. Nonetheless, having health insurance is advisable to prevent high medical expenses.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$101.58 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$635.00 |
|
Gym |
$45.00 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
Conclusion
Moving to Montana is not so challenging because the cost of living in Montana is affordable. And, if rightly budgeted, you can live in Montana in no time. But, first, calculate the average cost of living in Montana, as mentioned in the table below:
Are you planning to move to Montana, soon? Make your move easier by hiring one of the best moving companies in Montana. Save yourself from the hassle or all the heavy lifting and decide to move in comfort.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$933.33 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($57.78 multiplied by 4) |
$241.56 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$127.54 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$67.50 |
|
Transit pass |
$28.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$93.37 |
|
Gym membership |
$45.00 |
|
Total |
$1,536.3 |
