Cost of Living in Big Sky, MT

With a cost of living index of 159, Big Sky, MT is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 59% more expensive than the national average and 71% above the Montana state average of 89. Big Sky is a small community of 2,388 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Big Sky's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,712 (30% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $884,700 (190% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Big Sky is $103,625, which is 38% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Bozeman, MT (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.