Planning on moving to Montana? You’re not alone! More than 48,000 people moved to the Treasure State in 2023. It is also the #3 ranked state in the nation for economic growth. With this growth, Montana’s population has hit 1.14 million in 2024.
The Treasure State has a robust job market with a low unemployment rate of just 3.3%. The average living cost for a single person is $2,567 per month, 46.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Montana
Montana is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to MT:
| # | Reasons to Move to MT | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Montana is 1% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Treasure State added more than 30,000 in the first half of 2024 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Natural Environment | Montana is the third-least densely populated state in the nation and is home to landmarks like the Going-to-the-Sun Road. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Montana is 1% higher than the national average. However, it’s an attractive option compared to other northwest states like Washington and Oregon, where living costs are 21.9% and 14.3% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Montana’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Billings | $365,000 | $1,432 | $48.4 | $197.19 | $574 |
| Missoula | $520,000 | $1,533 | $54.8 | $144.54 | $601 |
| Great Falls | $339,900 | $1,359 | $57.7 | $$172.11 | $595 |
| Bozeman | $649,450 | $2,275 | $48 | $131.41 | $629 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Montana ranks #8 in the nation for fastest employment since 2020. The state added more than 30,000 jobs in the first half of 2024.
- Healthcare: This sector added 3,400 jobs last year and remains the state’s largest employer. Roles like Home Health and Personal Care Aides are in high demand, with 1,828 job openings expected annually. Major employers in this sector include St. Peter’s Health and Logan Health.
- Construction: Construction employment grew by 8.17% last year, adding 3,000 new jobs. Key roles include Construction Laborers (698 openings per year) and Carpenters (668 openings per year). Companies like Greenway Enterprises and Williams Civil Construction lead the industry.
- Educational Services: The employment in this sector also increased by 8.57% in the last year bringing the total workforce to 10,500. Teaching Assistants and Secondary School Teachers are in demand, with 520 and 252 annual job openings, respectively.
- Government: Government employment grew by 5.69%, reaching 28,100 jobs statewide. Organizations such as WestMont, Montana State Fund, and Energy Laboratories are key employers in this sector.
3. Natural Environment
Montana, called “Big Sky Country,” offers stunning natural beauty and wide open spaces. With just 7.1 people per square mile, it ranks as the third-least densely populated state. Residents can enjoy 4,000 miles of hiking trails, 450 miles of cross-country ski trails, and top fly-fishing spots like the Madison and Gallatin Rivers.
The state features over 100 peaks above 10,000 feet and landmarks like the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Its clear night skies, especially in Glacier National Park, provide some of the best stargazing in the US. Montana’s landscapes make it a paradise for outdoor lovers.
Cost of Moving to Montana 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to MT:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $470 to $4,207
Moving to Montana involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- MT moving companies typically cost $128 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Montana.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $300 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Montana.
- When relocating to Montana, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in MT is around $379/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Montana. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in MT ranges from $28-$217.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Treasure State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $3,000.
- However, if you plan to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Montana in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Whitefish have a median home price of $897K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Anaconda is $279K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Montana ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to MT, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Montana neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
