Cost of Living in Heart Butte, MT

With a cost of living index of 51, Heart Butte, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 49% cheaper than the national average and 38% below the Montana state average of 89. Heart Butte is a small community of 504 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Heart Butte's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $459 (65% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $48,800 (84% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Heart Butte is $28,977, which is 61% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% 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 Heart Butte. The area sees an average annual temperature of 41.8°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 10.8 inches spread over roughly 77 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.