Cost of Living in Great Falls, MT
Population 60,412 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Great Falls's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $63,934 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, Great Falls lies roughly 175 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Billings. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Great Falls
The median home value in Great Falls is $237,400 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $866/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,934/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 57.2°F and lows of 32.0°F, with about 66.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Great Falls has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less 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 | 35 | 37 | 46 | 55 | 65 | 73 | 84 | 83 | 72 | 57 | 44 | 36 |
| Low °F | 15 | 15 | 22 | 30 | 38 | 46 | 51 | 50 | 43 | 33 | 24 | 16 |
| Precip" | 0.55 | 0.59 | 0.68 | 1.73 | 2.43 | 2.72 | 1.23 | 1.22 | 1.33 | 1.07 | 0.68 | 0.53 |
| Snow" | 9.2 | 10.1 | 10.1 | 9.4 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 5.2 | 9.2 | 9.6 |
💨 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 Great Falls, MT?
Great Falls has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Great Falls, MT?
The median gross rent in Great Falls is $866 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Great Falls?
The median home value in Great Falls is $237,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Great Falls?
The median household income in Great Falls is $63,934 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Great Falls, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Great Falls is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Great Falls, MT affordable?
Yes, Great Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Great Falls?
Great Falls has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 32.0°F. Annual precipitation is 14.8". Average annual snowfall is 66.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Great Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 60,412
- Median Income
- $63,934
- Home Value
- $237,400
- Median Rent
- $866/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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