Americans love Montana! And why wouldn’t you? Montana is the 4th largest state in the country. Great Falls, Bozeman, and Belgrade are some of the best places to live in Montana. The state is also home to exceptional rivers like Yellowstone, Madison, and Missouri.
The average cost of a home is $441,800, which is 30.7% more than the $338,100 national average. However, it also varies significantly depending on where you choose to live within the state.
In addition, the state boasts a thriving arts and cultural landscape. It includes a wide variety of theaters like Whitefish Theatre Company, Fort Peck, and festivals that recognize local innovators and artists.
3 Reasons to Live in Montana 🏞️
- No Sales Tax: Montana does not charge municipal or state sales taxes.
- Pay Increase: In January 2024, Montanans received a significant 7.9% pay increase.
- Education System: Montana State University is one of the most prestigious universities in the state.
7 Best Places to Live in Montana in 2024
Montana is famous for its beautiful mountains, forests, and parks.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Belgrade | 13,245 | $533,938 | $8,693 | 3.0% | 64/100 |
| 2. | Bozeman | 58,635 | $729,112 | $8,693 | 2.60% | 64/100 |
| 3. | Dillon | 35,946 | $356,570 | $7,571 | 3.5% | 56/100 |
| 4. | Billings | 122,715 | $372,964 | $7,980 | 3.70% | 61/100 |
| 5. | Glasgow | 3,192 | $170,713 | $7,434 | 3.30% | 57/100 |
| 6. | Great Falls | 60,333 | $307,041 | $9,103 | 2.60% | 54/100 |
| 7. | Whitefish | 9,983 | $847,042 | $8,199 | 5.6% | 59/100 |
1. Belgrade: Best Town in Montana to Live
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.3% |
| Median Income | $103,860 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,693 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.0% |
Belgrade is one of the best city to live in Montana. The average Belgrade home value is $533,938. Young professionals, retirees, and families seeking affordable homes can easily relocate to this city.
The scenic Gallatin Valley surrounds Belgrade, offering stunning views of mountains and other natural features. Additionally, the town is home to some top-rated public schools, including Gallatin High School and Belgrade High School.
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2. Bozeman: Best Place to Live for Young Adults
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.0% |
| Median Income | $67,354 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,693 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.60% |
Bozeman, a lively college town, effectively integrates the pursuit of advanced education with thrilling outdoor adventures. The cost of housing is 62% higher in the city than it is nationwide, while the cost of utilities is 14% lower.
Over the past year, the job market in the city has grown by 2.6% making it the best place to live for young adults. In addition, Montana State University is home to excellent public and private schools, making it an attractive destination for families seeking quality education.
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3. Dillon: Best Place to Live for Retirees
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.1% |
| Median Income | $80,795 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,571 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
Dillon is the best place to live in Montana for retirees. The average cost of a home is $327,000, which is 3.3% less than the national average. The city typically has 59% lower crime rates compared to larger cities. This contributes to a sense of safety and security for residents and their families.
Barrett Hospital and Healthcare are among the top medical facilities in Dillon. The hospital is renowned for its cutting-edge facilities, knowledgeable medical staff, and dedication to providing the local community with high-quality healthcare.
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4. Billings: One of the Top Cities in Montana
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.9% |
| Median Income | $63,608 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,980 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.70% |
Billings is the trade and distribution hub of Montana, east of the Continental Divide. Along with products and commodities from diverse industries, the city also comprises fresh produce, livestock, and grains. The cost of living in a city is only 1% greater than the US average.
Compared to the national average, the city’s job growth is expected to increase by 23.48%, making it the best city to live in Montana. The city also has a vast network of trails ideal for bicycling and hiking, and the famous Rimrocks provide magnificent views of the Yellowstone Valley.
» Homes for Sale in Billings, MT: Find your dream home in this beautiful city.
5. Glasgow: Most Affordable Place to live in Montana
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.7% |
| Median Income | $96,954 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,434 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.30% |
Glasgow is one of the good places to live in Montana. The average cost of a home is $172,800, which is 48.9% less than the national average. Due to the city’s proximity to scenic spots like Fort Peck Lake and the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, plenty of outdoor activities are available all year.
Glasgow’s predicted future job growth is 35.68%, higher than the national average. Some of the top employers in this city are NorVal Electric Cooperative, Valley County, etc.
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6. Great Falls: Best City to Move on Budget
| Home Value | ⬆️ 8.3% |
| Median Income | $58,272 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,103 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.60% |
Great Falls is also known as Electric City. The average cost of living in Great Falls is $2484. The city has a very low cost of living; two-bedroom rentals there run about $910, compared to the $1,430 national average.
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Great Falls of the Missouri, a series of five breathtaking waterfalls that flow over rugged cliffs and rock formations. The city is also home to several types of attractions, including the C.M. Russell Museum Complex, dedicated to the renowned Western artist Charles M. Russell.
» Homes for Sale in Great Falls, MT: View the affordable properties in this good places to live in Montana.
7. Whitefish: Best City for Young Professionals
| Home Value | ⬇️ 1.4% |
| Median Income | $64,595 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,199 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.6% |
Whitefish serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park, one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. In this city, renting a two-bedroom apartment costs you $1,810 a month, which is 45.3% more than the state average and 26.6% more than the national average.
The Whitefish area has seen a job market increase of 2.2% in the last year, with future growth forecasted to be around 37.3% over the next decade. In addition, one of the town’s biggest attractions is Whitefish Mountain Resort, renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter.
» Homes for Sale in Whitefish, MT: View the best properties in this best place to live in Montana USA.
Best Places to Live in Montana for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in Montana for young adults:
- Livingston: Livingston is the best city for young adults. Over the next ten years, job growth is expected to exceed the US average, with a projected 38.8% growth rate. Some of the best employers are Simms Fishing Products, Livingston HealthCare, etc.
- Havre: Havre is the 8th largest city in Montana. Over the past year, the job market in the city has grown by 1.1%. Some of the best companies located in this city are Triangle Communications, Northern Montana Hospital, etc.
Bottom Line
Montana is one of the best places to live in the US. The state has a cheaper cost of living than many coastal states and metropolitan areas, particularly regarding housing. The average Montana home value is $448,238.
Montana’s population in 2024 is expected to be 1.13 million. The smaller cities and towns in Montana may be ideal if you prefer a calmer, less hectic lifestyle. So, you must do your research before you move to Montana. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Montana’s most accurate home value estimator.
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Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Connecticut. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Connecticut and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best places to live in Montana?
Some of the best places to live in Montana are Belgrade, Bozeman, Dillon, Billings, etc.
What are the cheapest places to live in Montana?
The cheapest city to live in Montana are Miles city, Anaconda, Butte, Great Falls, etc.
What are the best places to live in Montana for retirees?
Some of the best places in Montana for retirees are Helena, Livingston, Kalispell, etc.
