Cost of Living in Helena Valley Southeast, MT

With a cost of living index of 95, Helena Valley Southeast, MT is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 5% cheaper than the national average and 6% above the Montana state average of 89. Helena Valley Southeast is a smaller community of 9,533 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Helena Valley Southeast's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,231 (7% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $308,000 (1% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Helena Valley Southeast is $63,824, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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 Helena Valley Southeast. 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.

Everyday prices in the Helena, 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.