Moving to Montana? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Montana, located in the western United States, is one of the US’s eight Mountain States, known for its natural landscapes and wide, open spaces. It is home to iconic national parks Yellowstone and Glacier, giving visitors and dwellers alike plenty of outdoor beauty to take in.

If you are considering moving to Montana, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Montana Facts:

Population: 1.104 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $44,145 (2019)
Random Fact: Montana is home to the second-largest elk population in the country, with approximately 150,000 elk.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Montana

Below are the average moving and shipping costs to Montana from other major US states.

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$4,000 – $6,500
Texas	$3,500 – $5,800
Florida	$4,200 – $6,800
New York	$4,500 – $7,000
Pennsylvania	$4,000 – $6,500
Illinois	$3,800 – $6,000
Ohio	$3,700 – $5,900
Georgia	$4,000 – $6,500
North Carolina	$3,900 – $6,300
Michigan	$3,800 – $6,200

Also see: International Moving Companies in Montana

2. Montana Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices can vary significantly between urban areas and more rural or downtown locations. Urban centres like Missoula or Bozeman tend to have higher housing costs due to higher demand and amenities, while smaller towns or rural areas may offer more affordable options for renters and buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle amidst the state’s stunning natural beauty.

Monthly Rental Prices in Montana:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,160+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,130+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,150+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,000+

Montana Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $2,000+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,300+

Montana Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Montana compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 47.4% more expensive
New York is 63.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 48.7% more expensive
Toronto is 25.9% more expensive
Sydney is 38.2% more expensive
Paris is 11.4% more expensive
Dubai is 26.6% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom and Kangaroom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Montana’s rental and house purchase prices exhibit notable variations depending on the location, particularly between urban and downtown areas. Urban centres such as Missoula or Bozeman command higher prices due to factors like increased demand, proximity to amenities, and vibrant communities. In contrast, smaller towns and rural regions in Montana offer more affordable options for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle amidst the state’s awe-inspiring natural landscapes, making it possible to find housing options that cater to a range of budgets.

3. Montana Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

The state is known for its hearty and rustic cuisine, featuring dishes like bison steaks, huckleberry-infused treats, and trout from its pristine rivers, offering visitors and locals a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Montana’s craft beer and wine industry has been thriving, with an increasing number of breweries, wineries, and distilleries showcasing the state’s unique flavours and craftsmanship.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $17.50
Takeout Coffee: $4.50
Bottle of Coke: $2.00
1L of Milk: $1.10
Loaf of Bread: $4.40
12 Eggs: $12.00
1kg Chicken: $9.70
1kg Beef: $18.00
1kg Apples: $4.50
1kg White Rice: $5.30

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 24.7% more expensive
New York restaurants are 27.6% more expensive
Los Angeles restaurants are 24.3% more expensive
Toronto restaurants are 2.7% more expensive
Sydney restaurants are 7.1% more expensive
Paris restaurants are 1.8% cheaper
Dubai restaurants are 3.6% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Montana is home to vibrant farmers’ markets, where you can discover fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. In terms of supermarkets, Montana offers a range of options, from affordable grocery store chains that cater to budget-conscious shoppers to high-end speciality markets that feature organic and gourmet products.
Find Cheap Eats: Montana has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Montana Alcohol Costs

Montana, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.50
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.50
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $4.50
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $5.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $13.00

How To Drink For Less in Montana:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at MT Happy Hour.

5. Montana Transportation Fares

While major cities like Billings and Missoula offer local bus systems, transportation options become more limited in rural areas, where personal vehicles are typically the primary mode of transportation due to the state’s vast and less densely populated areas.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $3.00
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $25.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Montana

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Montana ranges from around -1 to 14 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from -8 to -1 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures ranging from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. The wettest month in Montana varies, but on average, it tends to be June or May, with higher precipitation levels during that time of the year.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $85.00
Summer Dress: $77.50
Running Shoes (Trainers): $100.00
Business Shoes: $140.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $60.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Montana

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Montana. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Montana from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Montana:

Volkswagen Golf: $23,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.90

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Montana:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Montana

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Montana does not have a general statewide sales tax. It is one of the few states in the US that does not impose a sales tax on most goods and services. However, it’s important to note that certain specific goods and services may still be subject to taxes in Montana, such as accommodations, rental cars, and tobacco products. Additionally, local option taxes may be in place in some municipalities, which vary by location.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Montana at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Montana you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Montana

If you do make the move to Montana, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $550
New York: $200
Los Angeles: $100
Toronto: $140
Vancouver: $170
Dubai: $645
Sydney: $790
Melbourne: $840
Cape Town: $1,100
Hong Kong: $1,600

Other Tips on Moving to Montana:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Montana but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Montana Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Montana.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Montana always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite.

12. Moving to Montana with a Family

Montana is generally considered a family-friendly location with its wide open spaces, an abundance of outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. The state offers opportunities for families to engage in recreational activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing, while also providing access to good schools and healthcare facilities. In terms of crime rate, while specific rates may vary by location, Montana has a relatively lower crime rate compared to the national average.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at CMMC.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Bozeman is often regarded as one of the most family-friendly cities in Montana, with its excellent schools, thriving community, and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities. Missoula is another popular choice, known for its vibrant arts scene, family-friendly events, and access to natural beauty. Communities like Helena, Billings, and Whitefish also offer family-friendly environments with good schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a range of family-oriented activities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Montana. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Montana for Work

While it is possible to move to Montana without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Montana’s main industries include agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The state is known for its agricultural production, natural resource extraction, outdoor recreation, and emerging sectors such as renewable energy.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Montana, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Montana from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Montana, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The combined area of Victoria and Tasmania is similar to that of Montana.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Montana that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Montana from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Montana. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: The province of Saskatchewan in Canada has an area equivalent to that of Montana.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Montana from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Montana. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: The combined area of England and Wales totals a size similar to Montana.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Montana, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Montana you can start by comparing moving quotes here.