Montana Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 56 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$825/mo
Average Home Value
$251,520
Average Owner Cost
$823/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in Montana: An Overview
The median rent in Montana is $825 per month, which is 29% below the national median of $1,163. This makes the state relatively affordable compared to much of the country.
Within Montana, housing costs vary significantly by county. Gallatin County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,574 per month and a median home value of $604,900. At the other end of the spectrum, Chouteau County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $485 per month and homes valued at a median of $185,100.
The average home value across Montana counties is $251,520, 11% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $62,295, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to Montana, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Montana
How median rents are spread across 56 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All Montana Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin County | Expensive$1,574/mo | $604,900 | $1,610/mo | 29.0% |
| Madison County | Moderate$1,159/mo | $440,500 | $849/mo | 24.0% |
| Missoula County | Moderate$1,125/mo | $423,100 | $1,425/mo | 29.0% |
| Flathead County | Moderate$1,094/mo | $467,700 | $1,268/mo | 30.0% |
| Yellowstone County | Moderate$1,084/mo | $317,600 | $1,257/mo | 28.0% |
| Sweet Grass County | Moderate$1,073/mo | $295,500 | $839/mo | 23.0% |
| Lewis and Clark County | Moderate$1,062/mo | $358,200 | $1,352/mo | 26.0% |
| Ravalli County | Moderate$1,054/mo | $435,000 | $1,065/mo | 28.0% |
| Treasure County | Affordable$992/mo | $215,300 | $875/mo | 15.0% |
| Broadwater County | Affordable$978/mo | $364,800 | $1,106/mo | 36.0% |
| Stillwater County | Affordable$968/mo | $355,600 | $1,136/mo | 26.0% |
| Wibaux County | Affordable$964/mo | $92,300 | $535/mo | 12.0% |
| Park County | Affordable$927/mo | $429,700 | $1,106/mo | 29.0% |
| Custer County | Affordable$918/mo | $204,200 | $860/mo | 25.0% |
| Cascade County | Affordable$902/mo | $243,300 | $1,046/mo | 27.0% |
| Jefferson County | Affordable$886/mo | $408,000 | $1,166/mo | 20.0% |
| Lake County | Affordable$884/mo | $369,200 | $1,012/mo | 25.0% |
| Carbon County | Affordable$882/mo | $379,300 | $1,003/mo | 24.0% |
| Meagher County | Affordable$871/mo | $244,400 | $682/mo | 20.0% |
| Fergus County | Affordable$868/mo | $202,700 | $710/mo | 23.0% |
| Richland County | Affordable$866/mo | $259,000 | $825/mo | 22.0% |
| Musselshell County | Affordable$865/mo | $221,200 | $686/mo | 24.0% |
| Prairie County | Affordable$827/mo | $167,100 | $672/mo | 23.0% |
| Dawson County | Affordable$823/mo | $187,400 | $796/mo | 19.0% |
| Lincoln County | Affordable$810/mo | $258,700 | $681/mo | 28.0% |
| Silver Bow County | Affordable$810/mo | $223,500 | $944/mo | 29.0% |
| Pondera County | Affordable$806/mo | $179,200 | $621/mo | 21.0% |
| Garfield County | Affordable$802/mo | $178,300 | $594/mo | 23.0% |
| Beaverhead County | Affordable$800/mo | $282,000 | $829/mo | 28.0% |
| Sanders County | Affordable$774/mo | $323,800 | $655/mo | 39.0% |
| Fallon County | Affordable$772/mo | $237,000 | $878/mo | 20.0% |
| Powell County | Affordable$770/mo | $255,700 | $893/mo | 22.0% |
| Golden Valley County | Affordable$769/mo | $203,900 | $664/mo | 16.0% |
| Petroleum County | Affordable$769/mo | $173,700 | $600/mo | 19.0% |
| Valley County | Affordable$769/mo | $198,600 | $803/mo | 29.0% |
| Toole County | Affordable$753/mo | $187,400 | $958/mo | 21.0% |
| Hill County | Affordable$752/mo | $187,600 | $754/mo | 24.0% |
| Teton County | Affordable$750/mo | $235,500 | $859/mo | 26.0% |
| Sheridan County | Affordable$749/mo | $111,600 | $706/mo | 30.0% |
| Mineral County | Affordable$746/mo | $313,600 | $984/mo | 30.0% |
| Wheatland County | Affordable$741/mo | $172,700 | $575/mo | 18.0% |
| Granite County | Affordable$734/mo | $339,500 | $608/mo | 27.0% |
| Carter County | Affordable$731/mo | $176,600 | $581/mo | 29.0% |
| Roosevelt County | Affordable$707/mo | $119,400 | $415/mo | 19.0% |
| Blaine County | Affordable$689/mo | $124,900 | $533/mo | 17.0% |
| Big Horn County | Affordable$686/mo | $148,200 | $537/mo | 19.0% |
| Liberty County | Affordable$668/mo | $116,800 | $718/mo | 24.0% |
| Deer Lodge County | Affordable$661/mo | $209,700 | $827/mo | 27.0% |
| Rosebud County | Affordable$644/mo | $188,900 | $643/mo | 19.0% |
| Phillips County | Affordable$623/mo | $175,000 | $589/mo | 24.0% |
| Powder River County | Affordable$609/mo | $149,400 | $713/mo | 16.0% |
| Daniels County | Affordable$588/mo | $177,800 | $758/mo | 20.0% |
| Glacier County | Affordable$553/mo | $153,400 | $468/mo | 23.0% |
| McCone County | Affordable$543/mo | $197,400 | $635/mo | 15.0% |
| Judith Basin County | Affordable$502/mo | $214,200 | $598/mo | 16.0% |
| Chouteau County | Affordable$485/mo | $185,100 | $608/mo | 16.0% |
Compare Montana to Other States
See how Montana counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Montana Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in Montana?
What is the most expensive county to live in Montana?
How does Montana's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Montana?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.