Cost of Living in Bozeman, MT

Population 55,042 · Montana · Data vintage 2023

170
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Bozeman is priced well above national norms — a median of $615,000, roughly 102% above the US figure — putting it among the more expensive markets in Montana.

Bozeman lies roughly 120 miles west of the nearest major metro, Billings — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 97% higher than Billings' $312,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 202
Rent 123

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bozeman

The median home value in Bozeman is $614,900 — 102% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,611/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,903/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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, Bozeman has a cost of living index of 170 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 70% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$614,900
102% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$715,781
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,611/mo
23% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,113/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$930
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,266
3 BR
$1,671
4 BR
$1,925
Owner-occupied 44.6%
Renter-occupied 55.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,611
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,225/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
17.0 min
37% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.6%
Carpooled
7.5%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
8.8%
Bicycle
3.9%
Work from home
15.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.8%
Total Sales Tax 0.0%
State rate 0.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$79,903
7% above avg
Per Capita Income
$48,994
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Labor Force Participation
72.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 38.9%
Graduate degree 26.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 28.6
Male median age 28.3
Female median age 29.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.8°F
Avg Low
29.1°F
Annual Precip
13.4"
23° 45° 68° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323646556574858473584232
Low °F 101322293844494740291810
Precip" 0.440.420.931.682.122.541.080.941.001.100.740.44

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 26 — Good
90.7%
Good air days/yr
98
Max AQI recorded
362
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
20
Public schools
8,002
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT?

Bozeman has a cost index of 170 (100 = national average). It is 70% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bozeman, MT?

The median gross rent in Bozeman is $1,611 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bozeman?

The median home value in Bozeman is $614,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bozeman?

The median household income in Bozeman is $79,903 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bozeman, MT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bozeman is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.

Is Bozeman, MT affordable?

Bozeman is above average in cost of living, with an index of 170 — about 70% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Bozeman?

Bozeman 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.

Bozeman at a Glance

Population
55,042
Median Income
$79,903
Home Value
$614,900
Median Rent
$1,611/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
56.8°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
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