Cost of Living in Lame Deer, MT

With a cost of living index of 59, Lame Deer, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 41% cheaper than the national average and 30% below the Montana state average of 89. Lame Deer is a small community of 1,939 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lame Deer's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $553 (58% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $117,300 (62% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Lame Deer is $26,364, which is 65% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 Lame Deer. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.4°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 25°F. Annual rainfall totals 14.9 inches spread over roughly 102 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.