Cost of Living in Shelby, MT
Population 3,129 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Shelby sits on the smaller end of the Montana city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Shelby lies roughly 245 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Billings. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shelby
The median home value in Shelby is $206,000 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $769/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,357/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 54.2°F and lows of 29.4°F. Overall, Shelby has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Shelby 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 | 34 | 43 | 52 | 62 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 69 | 54 | 41 | 33 |
| Low °F | 11 | 12 | 20 | 28 | 37 | 45 | 50 | 48 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.22 | 0.23 | 0.36 | 0.95 | 1.65 | 2.73 | 1.29 | 0.96 | 1.08 | 0.57 | 0.42 | 0.31 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shelby, MT?
Shelby has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shelby, MT?
The median gross rent in Shelby is $769 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby is $206,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shelby?
The median household income in Shelby is $53,357 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shelby, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shelby is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Shelby, MT affordable?
Yes, Shelby is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Shelby?
Shelby has average high temperatures of 54.2°F and average lows of 29.4°F. Annual precipitation is 10.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shelby at a Glance
- Population
- 3,129
- Median Income
- $53,357
- Home Value
- $206,000
- Median Rent
- $769/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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