Most affordable places to live in Montana are 3% above the national average. Montana combines breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery with surprising affordability.
Havre’s median home values are at $224,200, offering 26% lower costs than Montana average. This guide reveals where budgets stretch the furthest.
Key Takeaways
- Havre ranks as Montana’s most affordable city with $224,200 median home prices and $815 minimum monthly rents, delivering 26% savings versus state averages.
- Anaconda offers Montana’s lowest housing entry point at $145,000 median purchase prices, with rentals starting at just $650 monthly.
- Miles City achieved Montana’s safest ranking with zero motor vehicle thefts in Glendive during 2024, combining affordability with exceptional security.
- Billings matches national cost averages while offering Montana’s largest job market, regional shopping, and healthcare facilities serving 123,290 residents.
Comparing Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Havre | $224,200 | $815-$1,696 | 26% below | Budget families, railroad enthusiasts |
| Miles City | $221,000 | $700-$1,696 | 18% below | Ranchers, retirees |
| Butte | $263,300 | $786-$1,186 | 15% below | College students, history buffs |
| Glendive | $207,500 | $500-$815 | 20% below (lowest) | Extreme budget seekers |
| Great Falls | $269,600 | $828-$1,049 | 10% below | Military families, healthcare workers |
| Billings | $401,700 | $1,112-$1,292 | Matches US average | Career professionals, shoppers |
| Anaconda | $145,000 | $650-$800 | 23% below | Budget retirees, skiers |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana
1. Havre
- Median Home Price: $224,200
- Median Rent: $815-$1,696
- Cost of Living: 26% below Montana average
- Best For: Budget-conscious families, railroad enthusiasts, winter sports lovers, retirees comfortable with rural healthcare
Havre is 30 miles from Canada along the Hi-Line, and maintains its railroad heritage. Beaver Creek Park spans 10,000 acres with hiking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Montana State University-Northern provides degrees in education, diesel tech, and nursing. Furthermore, Havre Beneath the Streets offers tours through speakeasy tunnels and opium dens from the 1920s.
The Northern Montana Fair attracts crowd for livestock exhibition, demolition derbies and music. Residents face Montana’s highest property crime rates, though violent crimes remain low.
👉Havre offers budget-friendly living with small-town comfort. So explore Havre homes for sale today!
2. Miles City
- Median Home Price: $221,000-$250,000
- Median Rent: $700-$1,696
- Cost of Living: 18% below Montana average
- Best For: Ranching families, outdoor sportsmen, retirees seeking safety, authentic cowboy culture enthusiasts
This Yellowstone River town is Montana’s safest city in 2025. Riverside Park spans 200 acres along the bank with multiple recreation activities.
The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale attracts visitors each May for rodeo, auctions, and exhibitions. Custer County District High School has strong academic programs for 35% of households having children under 18.
Additionally, singles’ cost of living is $29,200 per year, where as families need $48,300. However, limited job opportunities outside of agriculture and healthcare sectors need flexibility.
👉Miles City combines affordability with western heritage. So begin exploring Miles City homes for sale today!
3. Butte
- Median Home Price: $197,000-$263,300
- Median Rent: $786-$1,186
- Cost of Living: 15% below Montana average
- Best For: History enthusiasts, college students, young families wanting walkable neighborhoods, working-class community seekers
Butte is Montana’s most diverse small city. Montana Tech anchors this Continental Divide city. An Ri Ra Irish Festival celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with parades, Gaelic music, and dance.
Furthermore, Berkeley Pit viewing stand overlooks the former open-pit copper mine. The National Historic Landmark District still has mansions from the “Richest Hill on Earth” copper boom.
Montana Folk Festival brings free concerts, supporting local breweries. The 70% homeownership rates certainly reflect long-term resident commitment.
👉Butte offers affordability along with a rich historic character. So explore Butte homes for sale today!
4. Glendive
- Median Home Price: $207,500
- Median Rent: $500-$815
- Cost of Living: 20% lower than Montana average (lowest in state)
- Best For: Extreme budget seekers, fossil enthusiasts, ranching families, retirees prioritizing low cost over amenities
The Makoshika State Park covers 11,531 acres with triceratops fossils and colorful rock formations. The Dawson County Fair showcases livestock, rodeo events and derbies each August.
Median household income reaches $65,000 supporting a comfortable lifestyle. Singles need $31,600 each year, while families’ cost of living is at $41,000 for a secure living.
Glendive earned recognition as Montana’s fourth safest city. However, extreme isolation presents challenges as well as the -20°F winter temperature.
👉Glendive offers small-town charm with affordable housing. So start your Glendive homes for sale search now!
5. Great Falls
- Median Home Price: $269,600-$284,200
- Median Rent: $828-$1,049
- Cost of Living: 10% below U.S. average
- Best For: Military families, healthcare professionals, outdoor enthusiasts wanting urban amenities, budget-conscious city dwellers
Malmstrom Air Force Base employs 4000 personnel in Great Falls. It is Montana’s third largest city, where military families blend with frontier charm.
River’s Edge Trail spans 60 miles along 5 waterfalls with paved path. Whereas, Giant Springs produces 156 million gallons daily as the nation’s largest freshwater spring.
Families need $64,000 each year, while singles need $48,000 for comfortable living. Additionally, the Montana State Fair runs July through August with various events and fests. Property crime rate is high, ranking second in Montana despite strong military presence.
👉Great Falls offers affordability with beautiful riverfront views. So find Great Falls homes for sale!
6. Billings
- Median Home Price: $367,000-$401,700
- Median Rent: $1,112-$1,292
- Cost of Living: Matches U.S. national average
- Best For: Career professionals, families wanting city amenities, healthcare workers, regional shopping access
Rimrocks rise 400 feet above Montana’s largest city. It also provides hiking, trails and scenic Zimmerman Trail drives. Montana Fair attracts up to 250,000 visitors mid-August.
In fact, Energy refineries, hospitals, and distribution centers employ 40% of the workforce. Meanwhile, Households earn median incomes of $76,000 while comfortable living need $46,600-$75,985.
Billings Clinic ranked among top 10 Rural Hospitals in 2025. However, violent crime rate is second highest in Montana.
👉Billings combines affordability with city convenience. So start your Billings homes for sale search today!
7. Anaconda
- Median Home Price: $145,000-$180,000
- Median Rent: $650-$800
- Cost of Living: 23% below Montana average
- Best For: Budget-focused retirees, outdoor recreationists, history buffs, ultra-low housing cost seekers
Anaconda is a former copper smelting town surrounded by Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Old Works Golf Course features Jack Niklaus design with black slag sand traps.
Washoe Theater ranks among America’s most beautiful Art Deco cinemas, built in 1936. Georgetown Lake is 12 miles away with boating, fishing, and cabin access.
Comfortable living requires $45,000 annual household income. Although, limited local employment requires many of the 67% homeowners to commute.
👉Anaconda offers budget-friendly living near Montana’s scenic mountains. So explore Anaconda homes for sale!
How We Ranked Montana’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025
This comprehensive analysis uses weighted criteria such as,
- Housing Costs (47.6%)
- Rental Affordability (23.8%)
- Property and Utility Costs (14.2%)
- Income Factors and Market Trends (9.6%)
Primary data sources include, Zillow Home Value Index and Observed Rent Index, RentCafe cost-of-living calculations, Clever Real Estate’s Affordability Score algorithm, SafeWise and SafeHome crime statistics. As well as, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, U.S. Department of Energy residential electricity data, Montana Department of Revenue property valuations, Montana Department of Commerce population data, Niche school ratings, and local municipal civic records.
What Drives Affordability in Montana?
Montana’s statewide cost of living runs 21% higher than the national norm. Though, the housing costs remain 3% above, the utilities are 8% lower.
Individual cities vary with Havre at 26% below national norm, while Billings matches the national average. Montano’s no sales tax benefits the residents, though the goods and services are 60% higher.
Although Montano ranked worst among housing affordability, cities like Havre and Anaconda buck the trend.
Smart Tips for Montana Living
- Research property tax rates carefully.
- Consider commuting for expanded job markets.
- Choose cities with strong safety ratings.
- Budget for harsh winters, which are upwards of 8 months.
- Explore outdoor recreation.
- Leverage Montano’s zero sales tax when budgeting.
- Research local job markets for stability.
- Consider college towns for educational access.
Should You Move to Montana?
Montana combines mountain landscapes with affordability in cities often overlooked. Havre leads ranking at $224,000 median home prices. Plus, Miles City earned Montana’s safest ranking.
Most affordable places to live in Montana provide access to public lands, nature, and Western culture. If you are dreaming of ultra low costs in Glendive or military stability in Great falls, Montana delivers that.
Explore Montana homes for sale on Houzeo to get your affordable mountain lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable place to live in Montana?
Montana's most affordable city is Havre with median home prices at $224,200 and costs 26% below the Montana average.
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in Montana?
The top 7 most affordable places to live in Montana are Havre, Miles City, Butte, Glendive, Great Falls, Billings, Anaconda. These cities combine low housing costs with quality schools, outdoor recreation, and employment opportunities.
Which Montana cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, Miles City offers Montana's safest environment with 72% homeownership and strong schools, requiring $48,300 annually for families. Havre provides 26% cost savings with $59,000 family income requirements and access to Montana State University-Northern.
What makes Montana one of the most affordable states?
Individual cities like Havre, Anaconda, and Glendive deliver 20-26% savings versus Montana's state average, which runs 21% higher than national costs. Montana's zero sales tax benefits residents, though statewide housing costs run 3% above national average.
