Cost of Living in Darby, MT

With a cost of living index of 81, Darby, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 19% cheaper than the national average and 8% below the Montana state average of 89. Darby is a small community of 575 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Darby's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $883 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $263,200 (14% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.4x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Darby is $40,943, which is 46% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Darby. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.2°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 14.1 inches spread over roughly 124 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.