Cost of Living in Plains, MT

With a cost of living index of 73, Plains, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 27% cheaper than the national average and 15% below the Montana state average of 89. Plains is a small community of 1,077 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Plains's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $782 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $209,200 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Plains is $24,661, which is 67% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 38% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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 Plains. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.7°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 16.4 inches spread over roughly 111 days.

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.