Cost of Living in Montana
Overall index: 96.8 — ranked #27 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Montana
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Montana
Estimated annual spending: $63,274($11,726 remaining)
What things cost in Montana
| Item | Montana | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $410,000 | $360,000 | +$50,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,322/mo | $1,400/mo | $-78 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.19/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.31 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $137/mo | $41 |
| Infant childcare | $12,778/yr | $13,500/yr | $722 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.03 | $4.95 | +$0.08 |
| Monthly groceries | $417/mo | $410/mo | +$7 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Montana vs national average
What a salary in Montana is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,400 | $-1,600 |
| $75,000 | $72,600 | $-2,400 |
| $100,000 | $96,800 | $-3,200 |
| $125,000 | $121,000 | $-4,000 |
| $150,000 | $145,200 | $-4,800 |
| $200,000 | $193,600 | $-6,400 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Montana than the national average.
Compare Montana with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Montana?
Montana has an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8, making it near the national average (ranked #27 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $410,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/month.
Is Montana expensive to live in?
Montana is near the national average with an overall cost-of-living index of 96.8 (average = 100). Some categories may be higher or lower than average.
How much does housing cost in Montana?
The median home price in Montana is $410,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,322/month. Montana's housing index is 94.4 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 5.599999999999994% below the national average.
How much are groceries in Montana?
Montana's grocery index is 101.6 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.03 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $417, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Montana?
The average monthly electric bill in Montana is $96 based on the state's residential rate of 10.83¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Montana?
Center-based infant childcare in Montana averages $12,778/year ($1,065/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Montana?
A $75,000 salary in Montana has the same purchasing power as $77,479 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Montana Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Montana taxes
- House Affordability in Montana — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Montana take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.