Cost of Living in Elliston, MT

With a cost of living index of 76, Elliston, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 24% cheaper than the national average and 12% below the Montana state average of 89. Elliston is a small community of 208 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Elliston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $775 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $248,300 (19% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Elliston is $41,719, which is 44% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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 Elliston. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.5°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 25°F. Annual rainfall totals 11.4 inches spread over roughly 91 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.