Cost of Living in Sidney, MT

With a cost of living index of 80, Sidney, MT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 8% below the Montana state average of 89. Sidney is a smaller community of 6,235 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Sidney's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $890 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $249,100 (18% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Sidney is $62,992, which is 16% 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 Sidney. The area sees an average annual temperature of 41.7°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 15°F. Annual rainfall totals 15.1 inches spread over roughly 100 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.