Cost of Living in Choteau, MT

With a cost of living index of 70, Choteau, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the Montana state average of 89. Choteau is a small community of 1,719 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Choteau's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $713 (46% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $194,900 (36% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.6x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Choteau is $53,929, which is 28% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.