Cost of Living in Deer Lodge, MT

With a cost of living index of 72, Deer Lodge, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and 16% below the Montana state average of 89. Deer Lodge is a small community of 3,035 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Deer Lodge's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $781 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $196,400 (36% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Deer Lodge is $53,676, which is 29% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Deer Lodge. The area sees an average annual temperature of 43°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 24°F. Annual rainfall totals 12.1 inches spread over roughly 103 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.