Direct Answer
Great Falls, MT has a CostOfCity index of 88, which is 12% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $900/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,285/month.
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Cost of Living in Great Falls: The Full Picture
How does Great Falls compare to the rest of America? With a population of 60,000 and an economy built on a community-oriented economy where low overhead creates opportunities for small business owners, this MT smaller city has a cost profile that's distinctly its own. Farm-to-table dining, yoga studios on every corner, and a wellness culture that adds 10% to the grocery bill. The 62 categories below translate these broad dynamics into specific dollar figures you can plan around.
Great Falls has a rural-adjacent economy where open space and low density keep both housing and services genuinely cheap
The housing market features a housing market where the American Dream of owning a home is still financially realistic
Mild temperatures keep utility costs moderate, but the high cost of environmental compliance adds to construction and renovation budgets.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Farm-to-table dining, yoga studios on every corner, and a wellness culture that adds 10% to the grocery bill..
At 12% below the national baseline, Great Falls offers the kind of value that makes financial goals — home ownership, savings, early retirement — significantly more achievable.
💰 Purchasing Power in Great Falls
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Great Falls, your dollar buys 14% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Great Falls Costs More
🔽 Where Great Falls Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Great Falls
What it actually costs to live in Great Falls each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Great Falls's cost index of 88 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Within Great Falls, costs can vary by 25-40% depending on the neighborhood. Downtown and waterfront areas typically command the highest premiums, while suburbs provide genuine savings, often 15-20% below the metro average.
Great Falls vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Great Falls
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-14%HVAC Installation
-24%Plumbing Services
-5%Electrical Work
-8%Kitchen Remodel
-11%Bathroom Remodel
-24%House Painting
+1%Flooring Installation
-26%Landscaping
-9%Fence Installation
-34%Window Replacement
-24%Solar Panel Installation
+9%Water Heater Replacement
-24%Deck Building
-2%Pool Installation
-14%Tree Removal
-23%Garage Door Repair
-27%💼 Business Startup Costs in Great Falls
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-27%Start a Coffee Shop
-6%Start a Food Truck
-17%Start a Gym
-3%Start a Daycare
-28%Start a Hair Salon
-30%Start a Laundromat
-34%Start a Bakery
-23%Start a Bar
-21%Start a Cleaning Business
-6%Start an Airbnb
-25%Start a Trucking Business
-38%📊 Cost of Living in Great Falls
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-18%Rent Prices
-36%Grocery Costs
-1%Utility Costs
-19%Transportation Costs
-11%Childcare Costs
-33%Gym Membership
-25%🛡️ Insurance in Great Falls
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
0%Home Insurance
+8%Health Insurance
-24%Business Insurance
-19%Life Insurance
-8%Renters Insurance
-7%Pet Insurance
-20%Dental Insurance
-24%Motorcycle Insurance
+2%⚖️ Legal Services in Great Falls
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-3%Divorce Lawyer
+17%DUI Lawyer
-20%Immigration Lawyer
+5%Estate Planning Lawyer
-6%Workers Comp Lawyer
-20%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+3%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Great Falls
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+7%Registered Nurse Salary
+3%Teacher Salary
-14%Electrician Salary
+18%Plumber Salary
-22%Accountant Salary
+14%Physical Therapist Salary
+23%Police Officer Salary
+9%Dentist Salary
-6%Real Estate Agent Salary
0%How Much Income Do You Need in Great Falls?
✅ Best For
- First-time business owners
- Families prioritizing savings
- Anyone building an emergency fund
- Outdoor enthusiasts
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
Before moving to Great Falls, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Great Falls
How does Great Falls compare to other cities in MT?
Within Montana, Great Falls has a cost index of 88. Nearby options include Helena and Missoula, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Great Falls, MT expensive to live in?
Great Falls's cost of living index is 88, which is 12% below the national average of 100. Great Falls is one of the more affordable US cities.
What is the median household income in Great Falls?
The median household income in Great Falls is approximately $48,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 88), this goes further than in many US cities.
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