Cost of Living in Hardin, MT
Population 3,766 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hardin is a smaller Montana community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $60,463 and housing costs ($143,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Hardin is about 45 miles east of Billings, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hardin
The median home value in Hardin is $142,800 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $726/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,463/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above 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 59.4°F and lows of 37.0°F, with about 57.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Hardin has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
Hardin 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 | 36 | 39 | 49 | 57 | 67 | 77 | 87 | 86 | 74 | 59 | 46 | 36 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 35 | 44 | 52 | 59 | 58 | 49 | 37 | 27 | 19 |
| Precip" | 0.55 | 0.57 | 0.90 | 1.72 | 2.36 | 2.22 | 1.22 | 0.87 | 1.36 | 1.37 | 0.60 | 0.57 |
| Snow" | 10.6 | 9.1 | 8.2 | 7.5 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 4.5 | 6.5 | 9.8 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hardin, MT?
Hardin has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hardin, MT?
The median gross rent in Hardin is $726 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hardin?
The median home value in Hardin is $142,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hardin?
The median household income in Hardin is $60,463 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hardin, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hardin is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Hardin, MT affordable?
Yes, Hardin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hardin?
Hardin has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 37.0°F. Annual precipitation is 14.3". Average annual snowfall is 57.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hardin at a Glance
- Population
- 3,766
- Median Income
- $60,463
- Home Value
- $142,800
- Median Rent
- $726/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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