Cost of Living in Belgrade, MT
Population 11,425 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Belgrade's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Montana. Median household incomes of $88,896 run at or above national figures despite the small population — a direct signal of the wage premium that mining, oil, and gas employers pay. Home values of $470,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 125 miles west of Billings, Belgrade is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 51% higher than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Belgrade
The median home value in Belgrade is $469,600 — 54% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,582/month, 20% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,896/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Montana's top state income tax rate is 6.8% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 56.8°F and lows of 29.1°F. Overall, Belgrade has a cost of living index of 141 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 65 | 74 | 85 | 84 | 73 | 58 | 42 | 32 |
| Low °F | 10 | 13 | 22 | 29 | 38 | 44 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 29 | 18 | 10 |
| Precip" | 0.44 | 0.42 | 0.93 | 1.68 | 2.12 | 2.54 | 1.08 | 0.94 | 1.00 | 1.10 | 0.74 | 0.44 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Belgrade, MT?
Belgrade has a cost index of 141 (100 = national average). It is 41% above the national average.
What is average rent in Belgrade, MT?
The median gross rent in Belgrade is $1,582 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Belgrade?
The median home value in Belgrade is $469,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Belgrade?
The median household income in Belgrade is $88,896 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Belgrade, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Belgrade is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Belgrade, MT affordable?
Belgrade is above average in cost of living, with an index of 141 — about 41% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Belgrade?
Belgrade has average high temperatures of 56.8°F and average lows of 29.1°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Belgrade at a Glance
- Population
- 11,425
- Median Income
- $88,896
- Home Value
- $469,600
- Median Rent
- $1,582/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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