Cost of Living in Hamilton, MT
Population 4,949 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Hamilton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $300,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Hamilton lies roughly 175 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Spokane Valley. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Spokane Valley's $344,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hamilton
The median home value in Hamilton is $299,800 — 2% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $958/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,917/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 33.6°F, with about 43" of annual snowfall. Overall, Hamilton has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.
Hamilton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 37 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 73 | 85 | 84 | 73 | 56 | 40 | 31 |
| Low °F | 18 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 40 | 46 | 52 | 50 | 42 | 32 | 25 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.96 | 0.88 | 0.92 | 1.36 | 1.77 | 2.14 | 0.85 | 0.83 | 0.96 | 1.18 | 1.18 | 1.08 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 8.5 | 5.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 5.4 | 11.6 |
💨 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 Hamilton, MT?
Hamilton has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hamilton, MT?
The median gross rent in Hamilton is $958 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hamilton?
The median home value in Hamilton is $299,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hamilton?
The median household income in Hamilton is $52,917 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hamilton, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hamilton is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Hamilton, MT affordable?
Yes, Hamilton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hamilton?
Hamilton has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 33.6°F. Annual precipitation is 14.1". Average annual snowfall is 43". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hamilton at a Glance
- Population
- 4,949
- Median Income
- $52,917
- Home Value
- $299,800
- Median Rent
- $958/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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