Cost of Living in Hamilton, MT

With a cost of living index of 86, Hamilton, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Montana state average. Hamilton is a small community of 4,949 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hamilton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $958 (27% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $299,800 (2% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Hamilton is $52,917, which is 30% 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 Hamilton. 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.