Cost of Living in Orchard Homes, MT

With a cost of living index of 101, Orchard Homes, MT is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% more expensive than the national average and 12% above the Montana state average of 89. Orchard Homes is a smaller community of 5,280 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orchard Homes's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $962 (27% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $473,100 (55% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.9x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Orchard Homes is $68,649, which is 9% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Orchard Homes. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.2°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 14.1 inches spread over roughly 124 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Missoula, 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.