Cost of Living in Helena, MT
Population 33,126 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Helena's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $69,341 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Helena lies roughly 175 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 14% higher than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Helena
The median home value in Helena is $355,100 — 16% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,058/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,341/year is 7% lower 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 57.7°F and lows of 33.4°F, with about 37.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Helena has a cost of living index of 102 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% 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 | 37 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 86 | 85 | 73 | 58 | 43 | 33 |
| Low °F | 14 | 17 | 25 | 32 | 42 | 49 | 55 | 53 | 45 | 34 | 23 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.39 | 0.42 | 0.52 | 1.02 | 1.95 | 2.21 | 1.06 | 1.04 | 0.96 | 0.78 | 0.59 | 0.46 |
| Snow" | 6.6 | 6.6 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 2.8 | 5.4 | 7.7 |
💨 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 Helena, MT?
Helena has a cost index of 102 (100 = national average). It is 2% above the national average.
What is average rent in Helena, MT?
The median gross rent in Helena is $1,058 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Helena?
The median home value in Helena is $355,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena is $69,341 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Helena, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Helena is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Helena, MT affordable?
Helena is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 102 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Helena?
Helena has average high temperatures of 57.7°F and average lows of 33.4°F. Annual precipitation is 11.4". Average annual snowfall is 37.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Helena at a Glance
- Population
- 33,126
- Median Income
- $69,341
- Home Value
- $355,100
- Median Rent
- $1,058/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
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Montana Rankings
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