Montana cost of living
If you're thinking of moving to Montana for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition. Before you set out to Big Sky Country, check out our analysis of housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs in the state.
The median rent in Montana is $1,435.28, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Montana spend $246.42 weekly on food at home and $92.19 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.40 in Montana.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Montana pay $1,157 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Montana
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Montana is $1,435.28, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Montana broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Montana had a median cost of $743 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,040 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,226 and $1,388, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Montana is $515,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Montana ranks No. 34 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.74%.
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Food costs in Montana
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Montana is $246.42, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Montana residents spend an average of $92.19 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Montana
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Montana is $3.40, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Montana is $1,034.70, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Health care costs in Montana
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Montana employees $1,157 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,602 of the $7,759 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Montana
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Montana is $102.94, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Montana costs $7.74 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Should I retire in Montana?
Maybe — Great Falls, Montana, was 10th on our list of the best cities for retirement in 2024.
Do I need to register my car in Montana?
Yes, if you have a vehicle, make sure to register it within 60 days of your move to Montana.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
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:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
