Cost of Living in Whitefish, MT
Population 8,422 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$648,000 is the going rate for a typical Whitefish home, 113% over the national median. Rents of $1,313/month track the same premium. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Whitefish lies roughly 145 miles east of the nearest major metro, Spokane Valley — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 88% higher than Spokane Valley's $344,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Whitefish
The median home value in Whitefish is $648,200 — 113% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,313/month, equal to than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,110/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 49.3°F and lows of 29.8°F. Overall, Whitefish has a cost of living index of 167 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 67% more expensive.
Whitefish 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 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 56 | 63 | 73 | 73 | 63 | 49 | 37 | 31 |
| Low °F | 15 | 15 | 20 | 28 | 35 | 42 | 46 | 45 | 39 | 32 | 25 | 17 |
| Precip" | 2.07 | 2.06 | 2.50 | 2.45 | 2.83 | 3.07 | 1.20 | 1.28 | 1.63 | 2.17 | 2.70 | 2.13 |
💨 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 Whitefish, MT?
Whitefish has a cost index of 167 (100 = national average). It is 67% above the national average.
What is average rent in Whitefish, MT?
The median gross rent in Whitefish is $1,313 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Whitefish?
The median home value in Whitefish is $648,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Whitefish?
The median household income in Whitefish is $71,110 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Whitefish, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Whitefish is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Whitefish, MT affordable?
Whitefish is above average in cost of living, with an index of 167 — about 67% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Whitefish?
Whitefish has average high temperatures of 49.3°F and average lows of 29.8°F. Annual precipitation is 26.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Whitefish at a Glance
- Population
- 8,422
- Median Income
- $71,110
- Home Value
- $648,200
- Median Rent
- $1,313/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 49.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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