Cost of Living in Harlowton, MT

With a cost of living index of 71, Harlowton, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the Montana state average of 89. Harlowton is a small community of 1,054 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Harlowton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $766 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $178,800 (41% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Harlowton is $53,750, which is 28% 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 Harlowton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 40.6°F, with summers averaging 58°F and winters around 24°F. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches spread over roughly 120 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.