Cost of Living in Daniels County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Daniels County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Daniels County ranks #143 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Daniels County, Montana
Daniels: Montana's Affordability Outlier
Daniels County delivers rare affordability, with renters spending just 12.2% of income on housing—well below the national and state averages. Median household income of $58,000 and rent of only $588 monthly create one of Montana's most livable housing markets relative to earnings. This county punches above its weight for families and remote workers seeking low cost-of-living stability.
Daniels Leads Montana in Affordability
At 12.2%, Daniels County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest we see in this Montana sample, well below the 15.9% state average. Renters here enjoy monthly costs of just $588—$237 cheaper than Montana's median—making it an exceptional value in a state increasingly pressured by tourism and growth. Daniels represents the Montana frontier where wages and housing have maintained balance.
Daniels Stands Apart as Affordability Leader
Daniels County's $588 rent is dramatically cheaper than neighboring Custer ($918) and even beats Fallon County ($772) by $184 monthly. Median home values of $177,800 mark Daniels as one of Montana's most affordable for ownership, significantly cheaper than any western county in this sample. For budget-conscious migrants, Daniels County offers unmatched value in the state.
Daniels Housing Costs: The Math Works
With median income of $58,000 annually, Daniels renters paying $588 monthly (12.2% of income) leave ample room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $758 monthly on average, also remarkably affordable relative to local wages, making both rental and ownership accessible here. This county demonstrates what housing affordability looks like when supply and demand remain balanced.
Daniels: The Affordable Montana Choice
If you're relocating to Montana for lower costs, Daniels County is your answer, with the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio and home values under $180,000. The trade-off is isolation: Daniels is remote, with limited job diversity and long drives to major services. But for retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing financial breathing room, Daniels delivers unmatched affordability in Big Sky Country.
Cost of Living Advisory: Daniels County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Daniels County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $588/month in gross rent, with 20.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Daniels County is $588/month, while owner costs run $758/month. Renting saves approximately $170/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,486/year. With a median household income of $58,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Daniels County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Daniels County is less affordable than Rosebud County by roughly 9% ($588/mo vs $644/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Daniels County
Rent Burden
12.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,353
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
The median home in Daniels County may be a stretch
Median home value is $177,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,419 vs. your max of $1,353.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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