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A good salary in Montana varies dramatically by location — Bozeman rivals coastal city prices while other areas remain affordable.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Montana average | $52,000-$68,000 | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Single in Bozeman | $65,000-$85,000 | $55,000-$65,000 |
| Single in Billings | $48,000-$62,000 | $38,000-$48,000 |
| Family of 4 | $85,000-$110,000 | $68,000-$85,000 |
Key advantage: Montana has no sales tax, saving 5-10% on purchases.
Why Montana Costs Vary
Montana’s cost factors:
- No sales tax — significant savings
- Bozeman boom — wealthy migrants have driven prices up 100%+
- Resort areas (Big Sky, Whitefish) — extremely expensive
- Eastern Montana — very affordable but limited job market
Good Salary by Montana City
Bozeman
Bozeman has become Montana’s most expensive city.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $48,000 | $82,000 |
| Comfortable | $62,000 | $100,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $85,000+ | $140,000+ |
Median home price: ~$720,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,700/month
Billings
Billings is Montana’s largest city and most affordable major metro.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $58,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$360,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,100/month
Missoula
Missoula is a college town with moderate-to-high costs.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $70,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $72,000+ | $115,000+ |
Median home price: ~$550,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,350/month
Great Falls
Great Falls offers affordable Montana living.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $55,000 |
| Comfortable | $42,000 | $70,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $55,000+ | $90,000+ |
Median home price: ~$295,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$950/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Montana?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $52,000 | $190,000-$210,000 |
| $68,000 | $255,000-$280,000 |
| $85,000 | $320,000-$350,000 |
| $110,000 | $420,000-$460,000 |
Montana vs. Other States
| State | $65K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | $53,800 | 106 |
| Wyoming | $56,500 | 95 |
| Idaho | $53,500 | 105 |
| South Dakota | $56,000 | 93 |
Montana’s no sales tax helps, but income tax is moderate.
Montana State Income Tax
Montana has a graduated income tax recently reformed:
- Flat rate of 5.9% for most income (2024+)
- Simplified from previous 7-bracket system
- Standard deduction increased significantly
Top Industries in Montana
- Healthcare — Average salary $60,000+
- Agriculture/Ranching — Average salary $45,000+
- Tourism — Seasonal, average salary $35,000+
- Mining/Energy — Average salary $70,000+
- Education — Average salary $48,000+
- Technology (growing in Bozeman/Missoula) — Average salary $80,000+
Montana Lifestyle Considerations
Pros:
- No sales tax
- Stunning natural beauty
- Outdoor recreation paradise
- Growing tech scene
Cons:
- Bozeman/resort area costs
- Long, cold winters
- Limited job market
- Remote from major metros
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Idaho?
- What is a good salary in Wyoming?
- How much house on $65K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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