Cost of Living in West Glacier, MT

With a cost of living index of 103, West Glacier, MT is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 3% more expensive than the national average and 15% above the Montana state average of 89. West Glacier is a small community of 209 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in West Glacier's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $800 (39% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $565,500 (85% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in West Glacier is $87,344, which is 16% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% 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 West Glacier. The area sees an average annual temperature of 39.5°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 26.1 inches spread over roughly 151 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.