Cost of Living in Polson, MT

With a cost of living index of 87, Polson, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 13% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Montana state average. Polson is a smaller community of 5,334 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Polson's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $921 (30% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $321,000 (5% 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 Polson is $51,463, which is 32% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Polson. 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.