Cost of Living in Whitehall, MT

With a cost of living index of 68, Whitehall, MT is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Montana state average of 89. Whitehall is a small community of 1,151 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Whitehall's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $689 (48% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $180,600 (41% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Whitehall is $38,750, which is 48% 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 Whitehall. The area sees an average annual temperature of 40.1°F, with summers averaging 60°F and winters around 20°F. Annual rainfall totals 12.8 inches spread over roughly 107 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Helena, 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.