Cost of Living in Malmstrom AFB, MT

Population 4,191 · Montana · Data vintage 2023

91
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Malmstrom AFB is a smaller Montana community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $64,079 and housing costs give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Malmstrom AFB lies roughly 170 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Billings — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Billings' typical home runs $312,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Rent 91

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

About the Cost of Living in Malmstrom AFB

Median rent runs $1,195/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,079/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Malmstrom AFB has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Rent
$1,195/mo
9% below avg
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 1.4%
Renter-occupied 98.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,195
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,809/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
16.9 min
37% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.3%
Carpooled
21.7%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
5.5%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
4.8%

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
$64,079
14% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,271
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
28% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
Labor Force Participation
85.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.8%
Graduate degree 13.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 22.4
Male median age 22.1
Female median age 22.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.2°F
Avg Low
32.0°F
Annual Precip
14.8"
Annual Snowfall
66.1"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353746556573848372574436
Low °F 151522303846515043332416
Precip" 0.550.590.681.732.432.721.231.221.331.070.680.53
Snow" 9.210.110.19.41.90.30.00.30.85.29.29.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 50 — Good
50.1%
Good air days/yr
170
Max AQI recorded
351
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Malmstrom AFB, MT?

Malmstrom AFB has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.

What is average rent in Malmstrom AFB, MT?

The median gross rent in Malmstrom AFB is $1,195 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the median income in Malmstrom AFB?

The median household income in Malmstrom AFB is $64,079 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Malmstrom AFB, MT?

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

Is Malmstrom AFB, MT affordable?

Malmstrom AFB is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Malmstrom AFB?

Malmstrom AFB 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.