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Transparent & data-driven

How We Ranked the Most Expensive Places

Each city is scored across five weighted categories using daily MLS data and verified government stats. Every metric is benchmarked against both its state average and the national average — dual benchmarking — so a market isn’t judged expensive just for sitting in a high-cost state.

Scoring weights

  • Housing Costs40%

    Sale price, price per sq ft & high-value concentration vs. state and national benchmarks.

  • Rent Burden20%

    Median rent, rent-to-income ratio & rental demand vs. state and national medians.

  • Income vs. Cost Imbalance15%

    The gap between median household income and the cost of living for the area.

  • Market Demand Intensity15%

    Turnover, scarcity, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.

  • Cost of Living10%

    Utilities, transportation & everyday goods vs. state and national averages — the tiebreaker.

Our data sources

MLS metrics update daily; government data is added on each agency’s release schedule.

Top 3 Most Expensive Montana Cities for Retirees

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Top 3 Most Expensive Montana Cities Worth It for Families

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Top 3 Most Expensive Cities Worth It for Young Adults

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Cost of Living in Montana's Most Expensive Cities

Montana's overall cost of living runs about 1% above the national average, but housing in Bozeman, Whitefish, and Missoula sits well above that. Winters are long, cold, and require real preparation, especially heating and snow gear. Moving to Montana means trading lower costs in rural areas for the higher prices that come with the state's most popular towns.

CityMedian Home PriceMedian RentCost of LivingRank
Big Sky $2,550,000$24,076arrow 25.7% above national avg1/10
Whitefish $1,057,500$3,000arrow 15.7% above national avg2/10
Bozeman $665,000$2,300arrow 25.7% above national avg3/10
Missoula $572,495$1,575arrow 12.8% above national avg4/10
Frenchtown $739,900$3,900arrow 12.8% above national avg5/10

Safest Places to Live in Montana

For those planning a move in Montana, safety is often high on the list of priorities. Several communities across the state stand out for their lower crime rates and close-knit neighborhoods. These places offer the peace of mind that comes with a secure environment and a strong sense of community. Explore our safest places to live in Montana rankings to discover which cities made the cut.

Rank#1

Stevensville

95/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#2

Plains

95/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#3

Eureka

93/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#4

Darby

88/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#5

Columbia Falls

87/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Based on information from the Montana Regional MLS, LLC (alternatively, from MRMLS)through Sep 15, 2026, 11:30 PM. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers(U+0027) personal, non-commercial use, that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing, and that the data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by MRMLS.

Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.