Cost of Living in Laurel, MT

With a cost of living index of 80, Laurel, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 9% below the Montana state average of 89. Laurel is a smaller community of 7,198 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Laurel's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $953 (28% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $232,700 (24% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Laurel is $66,382, which is 12% 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 Laurel. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.2°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 14.3 inches spread over roughly 97 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Billings, 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.