Cost of Living in Great Falls, MT

With a cost of living index of 78, Great Falls, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 22% cheaper than the national average and 10% below the Montana state average of 89. With a population of 60,412, Great Falls is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Great Falls's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $866 (34% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $237,400 (22% 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 Great Falls is $63,934, which is 15% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Great Falls. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44.6°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 14.8 inches spread over roughly 98 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Great Falls, 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.