Want Montana’s mountain lifestyle without Whitefish’s high prices? Don’t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in Big Sky Country if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Dillon or a starter home in Great Falls, Montana’s third-largest city with growing opportunities. If you’re retiring, look at homes for sale in Billings to enjoy a small-town lifestyle near the North Dakota border, with median home prices under $369,000.
After assessing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Montana to help you find a home that fits your budget.
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Key Takeaways
- Havre is the most affordable city: Havre’s cost of living is 7% lower than the state average. With a median home price of $223,782, it is the cheapest place to live in Montana.
- Great Falls is the best city for young professionals: With proximity to Malmstrom Air Force Base and opportunities in healthcare and energy sectors, Great Falls offers young adults affordable housing with a thriving outdoor scene and reasonable rents.
- For families, Hamilton is a great choice: With family-friendly events like Daly Days, youth programs, and parks along the Bitterroot River, Hamilton offers low housing costs that reduce the financial pressure of relocating.
- Retirees should consider Dillon: Retirees can enjoy riverside recreation at Beaverhead River and nearby Maverick Mountain Ski Area, with homes ranging from mid-century houses to modern structures around $370,656.
- Don’t forget Montana’s hidden costs: Homeowners insurance averages $2,700-$3,300 annually, flood insurance adds another $1,100-$1,170 per year, and property taxes range from 0.76% to 2.20%. Your affordable home could cost significantly more than the purchase price.
Cheapest Places to Live in Montana in 2026
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Affordability Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Havre | $223,782 | $825 | 7% lower ⬇️ | 8.3 |
| 2. Glasgow | $146,163 | $250 | 5% lower ⬇️ | 8.2 |
| 3. Miles City | $227,537 | $725 | 5% lower ⬇️ | 8.2 |
| 4. Hardin | $195,409 | $939 | 5% lower ⬇️ | 8.1 |
| 5. Sidney | $255,654 | $1,090 | 13% lower ⬇️ | 7.9 |
| 6. Butte | $312,450 | $850 | 3% lower ⬇️ | 7.7 |
| 7. Dillon | $370,656 | $1,000 | 10% lower ⬇️ | 7.1 |
| 8. Great Falls | $299,000 | $1,544 | 6% lower ⬇️ | 6.5 |
| 9. Anaconda | $278,859 | $1,700 | 0% lower ⬇️ | 6.2 |
| 10. Billings | $369,000 | $1,505 | 4% lower ⬇️ | 5.9 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana
To identify the cheap places to live in Montana, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources:
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s Monatana Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the Montana State University Extension – Housing & Community Development.
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories— housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods— from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in Monatana Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring:
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which Montana cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Montana
Known as the “crown jewel of the Hi-Line,” Havre is the cheapest place to live in Montana. Buyers searching for homes for sale in Havre benefit from proximity to Beaver Creek Park, accessible via Highway 2 and the BNSF rail lines. The city lies just 22 miles from Chinook and 3 miles from Havre City–County Airport.
- West Havre: West Havre is a rural, low-density residential area with mostly single-family homes. Residents rely on the Havre Public Schools district (including Highland Park South and Havre High School). Havre’s nearby parks like Pepin Parks offer Bill Baltrusch Nature Trail, playgrounds, trails, and picnic areas.
- Havre South: Havre South is a suburban residential area popular due to its proximity to Montana State University-Northern. If you are planning to move here, you will get access to Rotary Park and US Bank Park as well.
- Beaver Creek / Saddle Butte: This area extends south toward the Bears Paw Mountains. It borders Beaver Creek Park, one of the largest county parks in the U.S.. The park has Bear Paw Lake and trails. Furthermore, the park also has designated areas for fishing, camping, and bird watching.
- Job Market: Havre’s Havre’s economy primarily relies on healthcare, education, rail transportation, retail, and agriculture sectors. Major employers include Northern Montana Health Care, BNSF Railway, Havre Public Schools, and Montana State University–Northern.
- Recreation: Beyond city parks and trails, Havre has Fresno Reservoir for boating, fishing, and camping. You can visit the city’s Great Northern Fair in mid-July. Meanwhile, some other local attractions include Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump State Park and the H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum.
- Limited Job Diversity: Those looking for jobs in manufacturing and tech will find limited opportunities.
- Harsh Winter: Winters are long and cold, with frequent sub-freezing temperatures and periodic severe weather that can disrupt travel.
- Few Amenities: Residents go to Chiknook or Big Sandy for shopping, entertainment, and fancy dining.
Glasgow is one of the cheapest cities to live in Montana. It is a small regional hub for over 110 miles around and major cities like Billings are around 200 miles away. There are buses within Glasgow as well as services like Uber. Milk River and Fort Peck Reservoir support outdoor recreational activities like fishing and boating.
- Central Glasgow: This area is on 2nd Avenue and is close to the U.S. Highway 2. On walkable distances, residents have local restaurants and shops. The neighborhood is also close to Glasgow Public Schools district including Irle Elementary, Glasgow Middle School, and Glasgow High School (Scotties mascot).
- Southern Glasgow: This is a low density neighborhood with mainly ranch‑style homes. The area offers close proximity to City parks and riverside spaces along the Milk River corridor. Students are enrolled in Glasgow Public Schools such as Glasgow High School.
- Job Market: Key industries in Glasgow include retail, public administration, construction, and healthcare. Meanwhile, major employers are Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital (FMDH), C&B Operations LLC, and Albertsons Market.
- Recreation: The Fort Peck Reservoir and Milk River offer boating, camping, and fishing. Local history is preserved at the Valley County Pioneer Museum, and residents can enjoy Sullivan Park or local breweries (eg. Busted Knuckle Brewery). Places of worship include Calvary Baptist Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Limited Job Diversity: The economy relies heavily on healthcare, retail, and transportation. There are fewer opportunities in tech and education.
- Geographic Isolation: Big cities like Billings and Great Falls are 230 and 130 miles away. Rural location requires longer travel for advanced healthcare, education, and large-city resources.
- Harsh Winters: Temperatures can drop to 10–12 °F on average, with extremes below –35 °F, impacting commuting and daily life
Miles City has affordable housing in Montana and is known for its rich history as a key frontier location. For beautiful scenery and fishing, Yellowstone River is available. Historic Bucking Horse Sale is one of the popular events for the city.
Meanwhile, homes for sale in Miles City gives you proximity to Miles Community College and Miles City Municipal Airport which is 2 miles away.
- Downtown Miles City: The neighborhood has preserved late 19th and early 20th‑century commercial buildings along Main Street. Downtown Miles City is also close to Miles Community College and Riverside Park along the Yellowstone River.
- East Main Street Residential Historic District: This historic area has 20th‑century homes along East Main Street, officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It appeals to buyers due to low-density and close access to community places like Eastern Montana Fairgrounds.
- South Miles City: The residential neighborhood has mainly single-family homes. Riverside Park, Milwaukee Park disc golf course, and municipal outdoor pool are some of the public resources for recreation. There is also the historic Fort Keogh site which used to be a U.S. Army post.
- Job Market: Key industries include retail trade, healthcare, education, and agriculture-related services. Major employers such as Walmart, Stockman Bank, Miles Community College, and Agri Industries.
- Recreation: If you are interested in fishing and float trips, head to the Yellowstone River. The Range Riders Museum displays Western artifacts and hosts events for the city’s frontier heritage. Besides that, you can also attend the annual Miles City Bucking Horse Sale featuring rodeo and livestock events.
- Limited Job Diversity: Most jobs derive from retail, healthcare, education, and agriculture sectors. Few opportunities exist for growth in tech or finance.
- Severe Winter Weather: Average January temperatures reach around 13°F, with blizzards, over 50 inches annual snow. Wind speed can exceed 40 mph, commonly disrupting daily travel.
- Remote Location Constraints: Miles City is 145 miles from Billings, the nearest major airport and medical hub. Residents face 2.25-hour drives for advanced healthcare and entertainment options.
Hardin is located on the banks of the Bighorn River and the edge of the Crow Indian Reservation, famous for its tribal heritage. Rugged Pryor and Bighorn Mountains compliments its natural beauty. Meanwhile, ranch style houses and farms reflect the rural character of the city.
👉Homes for sale in Hardin offer an ideal residence for those interested in tribal history and small-town vibes.
- Blue Sage: The neighborhood is served by Hardin Middle and High Schools which are within walkable distance. Big Horn Mountains offers fishing on the Bighorn River and access to hunting and hiking.
- Downtown Hardin: The area is adjacent to the Bighorn River. Meanwhile, downtown shops, government offices, and Big Horn County Courthouse are within a short drive distance as well. Crow Fair & Rodeo grounds are about a mile north, which are used for hosting the annual tribal festival.
- Hardin Residential Historic District: This residential area has pre-1960s homes and low-traffic streets. Hardin Primary School is one of the public schools on a short-drive distance. There is Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and the St. Xavier Mission historic site within area limits.
- Job Market: In Hardin, key sectors are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and educational services. Hardin Public Schools and health providers like One Health are major employers.
- Recreation: You can canoe or birdwatch along the Little Bighorn River year-round. Visit the Big Horn County Fairgrounds for July livestock shows. Explore Pompey’s Pillar, Pictograph Caves, Chief Plenty Coups State Park, and nearby Yellowstone National Park.
- Narrow Job Diversity: Hardin’s economy is mainly healthcare, education, and service-oriented, with minimal tech, manufacturing, or finance opportunities.
- Isolated Location: Hardin lies 47 miles east of Billings and has no commercial airport. Locals travel 45 minutes to Billings for major shopping districts and specialized medical care.
- Limited Amenities and Entertainment: Hardin has few dining, nightlife, and recreational options, and residents often rely on Billings for broader entertainment, retail variety, and cultural activities.
Known as the “Sunrise City”, Sidney is one of the cheapest places to live in Montana. The city is known for its oil, healthcare, and agriculture economy. Yellowstone River and cultural outlets like MonDak Heritage Center are some of the key attractions for outdoor recreation.
👉Homes for sale in Sidney have a range of houses from old construction to modern apartments.
- Central Sidney: Sidney High School and Central Elementary School serve local students. Nearby Central Park provides a pavilion, playground equipment, and open green space. The area is close to Street and Central Avenue which host retail shops and corporate offices. Yellowstone River is also in close proximity.
- West Side Residential Area: Sidney’s west side has single-family homes and low-density apartments. The area provides convenient access to West Side Elementary School and city recreation facilities, including the Svarre Municipal Pool. Side streets connect directly to parks and local streets.
- North End Residential: The neighborhood is located near parks and athletic fields. Sidney Middle School is situated in this part of town, and Water Tower Park nearby includes picnic areas and walking trails.
- Job Market: Key industries in Sidney include healthcare, retail, construction, agriculture, and energy-related services. Sidney Health Center is the largest employer, along with Sidney Public Schools. In 2026, job postings show demand for healthcare staff, maintenance and utility workers, and oilfield support roles.
- Recreation: The MonDak Heritage Center is Sidney’s main cultural spot, featuring local history and exhibits. The city has several public parks and the Svarre Municipal Pool. Nearby Seven Sisters Wildlife Management Area offers Yellowstone River access for fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
- Energy-Linked Job Volatility: Besides healthcare, Sidney’s job market is primarily dependent on oil and gas activity tied to the Bakken region. Rapid hiring followed by slowdowns and firings have been a pattern in the city.
- Geographic Isolation: Sidney is about 340 miles from Billings, Montana by road , which happens to be the nearest major city with a larger commercial airport. A small municipal airport exists within city limits but lacks commercial activities.
- Severe Winter Conditions: In winters, Sidney’s temperature dip below freezing. Blizzard, heavy snow falls, and winter storms warnings get issued often in the winter season, affecting travel and raising electricity bills.
Butte, known as the “Richest Hill on Earth,” is also one of the more affordable places to live in Montana. The city operates bus routes through Butte–Silver Bow Transit, connecting key locations such as Montana Tech University and urban parks.
👉Affordable homes for sale in Butte keep residents close to employment and recreation linked to healthcare and the city’s mining heritage.
- Uptown Butte: Uptown Butte has dense Victorian-era architecture and active commercial streets. Restaurants, bars, and shops are within walking distance and Montana Technological University is close as well. The Butte Farmers’ Market operates seasonally in the district.
- West Side Butte: West Side Butte is a residential area with sloping streets and historic mining-era homes. The neighborhood is near Montana Technological University and provides quick access to Uptown’s dining and retail areas. Streets are primarily residential with less traffic.
- Walkerville: Walkerville is situated in the north of Uptown Butte. It has a quiet, small-town feel and remnants of early mining development. Residents enjoy nearby open spaces, including Walkerville Park, Big Butte Open Space, and the BA&P Hill Trail.
- Job Market: Butte’s economy centers on mining, healthcare, and education. Key industries include Montana Resources, Montana Tech, and St. James Healthcare.
- Recreation: Thompson Park offers 25 miles of trails. Our Lady of the Rockies is a 90-foot statue with panoramic views. The World Museum of Mining features underground tours and mining exhibits.
- High Crime Level: Crime rate in Butte was around 25 per 1000 residents in total, with the majority of contribution form property crimes.
- Limited Job Diversity: Employment needs to expand beyond traditional sectors into tech, manufacturing, and finance.
- Natural Disaster Risks: Frequent blizzards, ice storms, sub-zero temperature, and wildfire smoke are some major natural disasters that affect daily life in Butte.
Dillon is an affordable place to live in Montana. The city is two hours drive away from Bozeman. The closest commercial airport is Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) which is around 70 miles far. Homes for sale in Dillon are for buyers who want an isolated location and a quiet life.
- Westside: The neighborhood extends toward the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds and agricultural land along the city’s edge. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes. This area provides quick access to Montana Highway 41 and remains within a short drive of downtown Dillon, grocery stores, and public services.
- Northside: This neighborhood is on the north of Pacific Street and includes modest residential homes. The area benefits from proximity to Dillon Middle School and city parks such as Jaycee Park, which provides playground equipment, open lawns, and picnic space.
- Job Market: Key industries include education, healthcare, agriculture, and ranching. Major employers consist of Dillon School District, University of Montana Western, Beaverhead Memorial Hospital.
- Recreation: Dillon’s rural life includes fishing on the Beaverhead River, hiking at Beaverhead Rock State Park, and exploring Clark Canyon Reservoir for boating. The town hosts the Southwest Montana Wool Growers Days festival. You can do hunting and wildlife viewing at Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest as well.
- Geographic Isolation: Dillon is around 110 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the nearest major commercial airport, and about 240 miles from Billings. Major metro services like big cinema halls and specialized healthcare required extended drivers up to 5 hours.
- Challenging Winter Conditions: Winters are cold and snowy, with periodic storms that can disrupt highway travel, especially on rural routes (MT-41 and I-15) outside town.
- Narrow Job Market: Opportunities in tech, finance, and banking are lacking. Since the healthcare and agriculture sectors mainly drive the economy.
Great Falls is one of the most affordable cities in Montana. It is located around 6 miles away from the Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB) and Great Falls International Airport. It is a budget city with Missouri River and Giant Springs State Park
- Fox Farm: This is a southwest residential neighborhood with single-family homes. Residents live near Meadow Lark Elementary School, Meadowlark Park, and Meadowlark Country Club, which offers golf and tennis facilities. The Missouri River and River’s Edge Trail are also nearby for walking and outdoor recreation.
- Riverview: This is a west Great Falls neighborhood located along the Missouri River. It features a grid street layout with mostly single-family homes. The area is close to Riverview Elementary School and city parks including Riverview Park and West Bank Park.
- Job Market: Key industries include healthcare, military, education, and services. Major employers are Malmstrom Air Force Base, Benefis Health System, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cargill, Centene, D.A. Davidson Companies, and VisionNet.
- Recreation: Residents enjoy Giant Springs State Park’s natural springs and fishing spots. Cultural attractions include the C.M. Russell Museum’s Western art collection. River’s Edge Trail offers 60 miles along the Missouri River for biking and walking.
- Air Quality Concerns: Great Falls experiences seasonal air quality impacts from regional wildfire smoke, especially in summers.
- High Wind Speeds: Great Falls is one of the windier U.S. cities, with average annual wind speeds around 11–12 mph. High wind speed causes home damage and affects travel.
- Limited Job Market: There are fewer opportunities and lack of high paying roles in sectors like tech, finance, or retail.
Anaconda is known for its affordable housing and cheap rents. The city is 25 miles away from Butte and 106 miles from Missoula. The nearest commercial airport, Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, is 28 miles far.
👉 Homes for sale in Anaconda appeal to buyers looking for a quiet small town with access to parks, nearby lakes, and a local school district.
- Warm Springs: This residential area has many houses from mid-20 century. It also has a high vacancy rate (around 30%), especially for seasonal use during summers. Warm Springs is close to Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area, known for waterfowl habitat and fishing spots.
- Sunnyside: Sunnyside is located on the south side of Anaconda and consists primarily of older single-family homes from pre-1970 era. The area provides easy access to the city’s school network, including Fred Moodry Intermediate School. Public green space like Washoe Park reachable by a short drive.
- City Center / Crackerville: This central Anaconda neighborhood contains pre-1939 single-family homes along with small apartment buildings. It is close to Main Street retail stores. Furthermore, Anaconda Junior/Senior High School at 515 Main Street is within walking distance.
- Job Market: Anaconda’s economy relies on healthcare, public administration, retail trade, and construction. Construction jobs are partly supported by the EPA with its superfund cleanup and redevelopment work. Other major employers include Community Hospital of Anaconda and Anaconda School District.
- Recreation: Anaconda offers Lost Creek State Park and Georgetown Lake for hiking and trout fishing. The Anaconda Smelter Stack, the world’s tallest freestanding masonry chimney, is a known state park landmark. The city also has the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Works Golf Course.
- Contamination Issues: Anaconda sits within the Anaconda Smelter Superfund site, contaminated by arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals from historic smelting. EPA cleanup has been ongoing since the 1980s, and only parts of the site have been delisted.
- Harsh Winters: Anaconda winters are cold and snowy, with average lows well below freezing and regular seasonal snowfall.
- Isolated Locations: The city is about 25 miles from Butte, limiting access to larger shopping, dining, and specialty services like healthcare.
- Bad Seasonal Air Quality: Wildfire smoke events periodically affect air quality across Montana and can raise particulate pollution levels, posing respiratory risks during fire seasons.
Despite being the most populous city in Montana, Billings offers a range of housing options. Highlights include Yellowstone River trails, Pictograph Cave State Park, and two local school districts. Residents also get conveniently access to Billings Logan International Airport (3 miles away) and Interstate 90 (2-3 miles away).
- Central-Terry Neighborhood: This neighborhood is built close to Central Park, Terry Park, and schools like Central Heights Elementary. Downtown local shops and the Billings Farmers Market area nearby as well.
- Pioneer Park Neighborhood: Buying or renting a house in this area will give you quick access to Pioneer Park shopping center, Billings Public Schools, and Rimrock Mall. Outdoor spots like skate park nearby but hosting location for ArtWalk Downtown Billings is on a drivable distance.
- Job Market: Healthcare, energy refining, retail trade, and food services are major industries. Key employers are Billings Clinic, Phillips 66, Par Pacific Holdings, and Western Sugar Cooperative.
- Recreation: Pictograph Cave State Park has hiking trails and preserved Native American rock art. Four Dances Recreation Area provides rimrock trails and wildlife viewing along the Yellowstone River. Meanwhile, ZooMontana features about 70 animal species across a 50-acre natural habitat.
- Workforce Reduction: Billings is part of Yellowstone County, which is likely to lose 14,500 workers by 2027 due to retirement. Furthermore, 6,161 job cuts are projected in the county. Although exact figures for Billings are not available right now, the city will likely suffer as well.
- Harsh Winters: Billings winters are cold with regular snow and average January lows between 15-19 °F.
- Air Quality Issues: Billings periodically experiences poor air quality due to temperature inversions in winter and wildfire smoke in summer.
Pro Tip If you’re looking for something in one of Montana’s premier mountain towns, Whitefish could be a great option. From downtown charm to lakeside neighborhoods, you’ll find a range of affordable houses in Whitefish with strong vacation rental potential.
Fort Benton (safety score of 72) and Libby (safety score of 63) are the cheapest and safest cities in Montana. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Montana for Young Adults
When looking for the least expensive city to live in Montana, you want more than just cheap rent. You want good jobs, outdoor adventures, and a city where you can thrive. These Montana cities deliver all three, with affordable housing and growing job markets.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Young Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Great Falls | Great Falls offers big-city jobs mainly related to the military due to close proximity to Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB). There are opportunities in the healthcare and energy sector as well. Home to Montana State University (MSU), Greater Falls offers a thriving outdoor scene with reasonable rents. |
| 2. | Helena | Helena, Montana’s state capital, offers stable government and healthcare jobs. Carroll College and local events (eg. Gold Rush Days) add some appeal for younger residents. Available homes for sale in Helena are cheaper than options in Bozeman or Missoula. |
| 3. | Lewistown | Lewistown, surrounded by five mountain ranges, offers abundant outdoor scenery. Central Montana Medical Center is a key employer, and events like the Central Montana Fair draw crowds. Homes for sale in Lewistown remain more affordable, allowing more savings in the bank. |
Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Montana for Families
Montana is a favorite among families for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong communities. These three cities offer lower living costs and quality schools.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Families |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hamilton | Hamilton hosts family‑friendly events like Daly Days. Kids can join local youth programs such as Bitterroot Micros soccer. Parks like Claudia Driscoll Park provide playgrounds and outdoor recreation along the Bitterroot River. Furthermore, cheap homes for sale in Hamilton reduces financial pressure of moving to a new location. |
| 2. | Deer Lodge | Deer Lodge, Montana, has the Grant‑Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and the Old Montana Prison museum complex downtown. Deer Lodge School District 1 serves the community. A range of homes for sale in Deer Lodge are on offer for those looking for less crowded place with low cost of living. |
| 3. | Butte | You can enroll your children in average-rated public schools within Butte School District #1 or opt for high-ranking private schools like Butte Central Catholic High School. For recreation, community events like the Montana Folklife Festival and local recreation options such as city pools and trails support active family life. |
Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Montana for Retirees
Montana offers retirees breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventure. In these affordable cities, you can find lower housing costs, accessible healthcare, and safe communities. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping to enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dillon | Dillon offers riverside recreation and access to outdoor areas like the Beaverhead River and nearby Maverick Mountain Ski Area. The city also has Beaverhead Senior Apartments as affordable independent living for older adults. Homes for sale in Dillon vary from old mid-century houses to modern structures. |
| 2. | Chiknook | Chinook has an active senior community with programs like craft classes at local centers and access to nearby healthcare in Havre. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy gentle winter outings at Bear Paw Ski Bowl, a small, beginner‑friendly ski area. Homes for sale in Chinook lowers the housing cost as well. |
| 3. | Libby | Retirees in Libby enjoy easy access to the Kootenai River for fishing, kayaking, and riverside walks. The Libby Senior Center hosts events, social gatherings, and fitness activities. Local clinics and Boundary Community Hospital provide reliable healthcare. Homes for sale in Libby offer quiet neighborhoods and abundant green spaces. |
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Montana
Even in the most affordable Montana cities to live in, home prices are only part of the cost. After recent severe wildfire seasons, insurance premiums have risen sharply. So, factor in wildfire and flood coverage along with property taxes when looking for the cheapest area to live in Montana.
- Wildfire/Homeowners Insurance: Montana homeowners now pay an average of $2,700-$3,300 yearly, with premiums jumping over 20% in 2024 alone. Montana ranks second nationally for wildfire risk.
- Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Montana NFIP policies average $1,100–$1,170 per year, though costs vary significantly by location and elevation.
- Property Taxes: Montana property taxes for primary residences are tiered: the first $400,000 is taxed at 0.76%, the $400,000 to $1.5 million bracket at 1.10%, and any value above $1.5 million at 2.20%. Actual tax bills vary by county and city due to local mill levies and school district rates.
Quick Tip Montana homestead exemption that protects up to $409,450 in home equity from creditor claims in bankruptcy or debt collection.
Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Montana to Live In
Housing costs vary dramatically across Montana. Havre residents save $3,730 monthly compared to Big Sky and $1,341 compared to Bozeman. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Monthly Mortgage | Insurance/taxes | Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person | Monthly Savings vs. Big Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havre | $223,782 | $1,031 | $1,030 | $2,061 | $3,730 |
| Bozeman | $675,495 | $3,111 | $958 | $3,402 | $2,398 |
| Big Sky | $967,000 | $4,393 | $1,398 | $5,791 | – |
Affordable Living Beyond Montana
Not sure if the cheapest places in Montana to live will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer business-friendly policies, a strong job market, and natural beauty, just like Montana.
Business Friendly Tax Policies
South Dakota has no personal or corporate income tax for most businesses, light regulation, and a low cost of living. Here are top 3 cheapest places to live in South Dakota to do business:
- Sioux Falls: Medium home price is $312,000 and median rent is $1,144. Major hub for finance and healthcare startups due to tax incentives and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation’s business grants.
- Rapid City: Median home price is $342,500 and median rent is $1,305. Supports tourism and small business growth under South Dakota’s no inventory tax environment. There are also workforce support programs tied to the Black Hills economy.
- Watertown: Median home price is $285,750 and median rent is $1,091. Attracts manufacturing and industrial employers through low operating costs, a stable workforce, and regional economic development support.
Strong Job Market
In early 2025 with 6.7%, West Virginia ranked 2nd in the nation for job openings rate. The state showed demand for workers even as overall growth remains modest. These are the top three cheapest places to live in West Virginia:
- Huntington: Medium home price is $190,000 and median rent is $1,289. Healthcare and education jobs are major employment sectors where major employers are Marshall University, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and Cabell Huntington Hospital.
- Charleston: Medium home price is $176,500 and median rent is $1,305. State agencies, healthcare, and education drive the job base. Top employers include Vandalia Health, Kanawha County Board of Education, and WVU Medicine.
- Beckley: Medium home price is $137,750 and median rent is $1000. Employers from healthcare and services sectors include Raleigh General Hospital and local construction/ industrial firms.
Access to Nature
Arkansas keeps it balanced. “Natural State” outdoor appeal with a cost of living about 7% below the U.S. average. It has everything from mountain ranges to big forests. Here the top 3 cheapest places to live in Arkansas:
- Fayetteville: Median home price is $383,580 and median home rent is $1,388. This College town in the Ozarks has Razorback Regional Greenway and many local trails for hiking, biking, and nature walks.
- Hot Springs: Median home price is $285,000 and median home rent is $1,300. The city is surrounded by Hot Springs National Park and close to Ouachita National Forest, with extensive hiking, biking, and camping options.
- Eureka Springs: Median home price is $235,000 and median home rent is $1,200. This place is blessed with forested hills, springs, lakes. Beaver Lake and the Buffalo River are popular places for outdoor fun.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Montana?
Havre, Glasgow, and Miles City are the most affordable cities to live in Montana. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and a cost of living 15% lower than the national norm.
Moving to Montana also offers valuable tax advantages, with property taxes levied according to the value of the house. Whether you’re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.
