Cost of Living in Kalispell, MT

With a cost of living index of 95, Kalispell, 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. With a population of 26,830, Kalispell 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 Kalispell's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,019 (23% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $381,400 (25% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Kalispell is $61,590, which is 18% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 Kalispell. The area sees an average annual temperature of 39.5°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 26.1 inches spread over roughly 151 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.