Montana Cost of Living
Can you afford to live in the Treasure State?
+1 more
Living in Montana offers a blend of rural charm and growing city amenities. But it also comes with expenses that may be different from what you’re used to. From housing choices to fueling your car for mountain drives, understanding where your money will go can help your move go smoothly.
To determine the cost of living in Montana, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Montana spend $55,264 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe average rent in Montana is $1,429, versus the national average rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Montana spend $246.42 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.23 in Montana.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Montana pay $1,333 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Montana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Montana was $55,264 in 2023. This figure reflects the value of what residents consume each year across housing, health care, food, gas and energy, and other goods and services.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Montana:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Montana |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $9,434 |
| Health care | $9,081 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $4,957 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,721 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $30,069 |
| Total cost | $55,264 |
Housing costs in Montana
Your biggest expense in Montana is likely to be housing. According to 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Montana is $1,429, while the national average rent is $1,639. The amount you pay will depend on your location and the size of your rental. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey shows average monthly rents in Montana break down as follows:
- One-bedroom rent: $822
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,105
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,460
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,443
If you’re looking to buy, the median home price in Montana is $543,800, compared with the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes play a role in your housing costs as well. Montana ranks No. 35 for the highest effective property tax rates in the nation, at 0.6%.
» COMPARE: Best moving companies in Montana
Food costs in Montana
Grocery spending in Montana is shaped by where you shop, the brands you choose and how often you dine out. The most recent U.S. Census data shows the average weekly grocery spend in Montana is $246.42, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
Families who mostly cook at home or buy in bulk from local markets could see noticeable savings on their food bills. On the other hand, eating out — especially in cities like Bozeman or Missoula — tends to be pricier. In more rural parts of Montana, groceries may cost a bit less, but selection can be limited compared with larger towns.
Transportation costs in Montana
The average price per gallon of regular gas in Montana is $3.23, compared with the U.S. average of $3.13.
The average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Montana is $1,079.53, versus the national average of $1,258.
Health care costs in Montana
The average employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance in Montana is $1,333 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,488 of the $7,821 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Montana
The average monthly electric bill in Montana is $109.50, versus $136.84 nationally.
Natural gas in Montana costs $7.98 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $12.92 nationally.
FAQ
Does Montana have a high cost of living?
No, Montana does not have a high cost of living compared with the national average. Most families will find that general living expenses are fairly low, though home prices can be higher than in most states.
Is Montana a good place to live?
Yes, Montana is a good place to live if you value open spaces, a slower pace and a community-oriented lifestyle. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, and the state appeals to many who want a balance of outdoor activities and affordable living. Montana’s rental market is also strong, making it a solid choice for both renters and homeowners.
» RELATED: Best moving companies
Is Montana good for renters?
Yes, Montana is good for renters. Rent here is generally affordable compared with most of the country, and the state is recognized as one of the best for renters overall. However, tenant protections are weaker than in many other places, and rental availability can be limited in certain areas.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
