Retirement Cost in Great Falls, MT: 2026 Budget Guide
A comfortable retirement in Great Falls costs approximately $45,136/year — 13% below the national average of $52,000. Here's the full breakdown.
$45,136
Annual retirement cost
$3,761
Per month
$1,128,400
Nest egg needed (25× rule)
Direct Answer
Retiring in Great Falls, MT costs about $45,136 per year, or $3,761 per month. That is 13% below the national retirement budget benchmark, with an estimated $1,128,400 nest egg using the 4% rule.
Annual budget
$45,136
Range: $29,338-$65,447
Monthly budget
$3,761
Housing, healthcare, food, transport, utilities, and lifestyle
Portfolio target
$1,128,400
25x annual spending, before personalized tax planning
Tax note
State tax check
Review MT retirement income rules
Great Falls is a budget-friendly retirement destination. Factor in MT state taxes on retirement income when planning your budget.
Annual Retirement Budget in Great Falls
Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey (65+ households), adjusted for Great Falls's cost index (88). Range: $29,338–$65,447.
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Great Falls?
Standard
$1,128,400
4% Rule (25×)
Most common retirement planning benchmark
Conservative
$1,354,080
3.3% Rule (30×)
Conservative approach for longer retirements
After SS
$24,136
Savings needed/year
After avg Social Security (~$21,000/yr)
How Great Falls Compares
Great Falls Annual Cost
$45,136
National Average
$52,000
Difference
$-6,864/yr
13% more affordable
Retirement Planning Tips for Great Falls
✓Research Montana's tax treatment of retirement income — some sources like Social Security may be partially or fully exempt.
✓Housing in Great Falls accounts for roughly $15,798/year of retirement costs — consider whether renting or owning makes more sense given your timeline.
✓Healthcare costs here run approximately $8,124/year. Compare Medicare Advantage plans by ZIP code — coverage and premiums vary significantly.
✓The estimated nest egg needed to retire in Great Falls is $1,128,400 using the 4% withdrawal rule.
✓Great Falls is a relatively affordable retirement destination, letting your savings stretch further.
Retirement Decision Checklist
Compare housing at $1,317/month against your rent, mortgage, HOA, and property tax plan.
Budget healthcare at about $677/month before Medicare supplement, dental, and long-term care choices.
Stress test the plan with the conservative $1,354,080 portfolio target if you want a lower withdrawal rate.
Use $24,136/year as the rough portfolio-funded gap after average Social Security assumptions.
More for Great Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to retire in Great Falls?
A comfortable retirement in Great Falls costs approximately $45,136 per year ($3,761/month). This includes $15,798 for housing, $8,124 for healthcare, and $6,770 for transportation. Actual costs range from $29,338 to $65,447 depending on lifestyle.
How much money do I need to retire in Great Falls?
Using the 4% withdrawal rule, you need approximately $1,128,400 in savings to retire in Great Falls. For a more conservative 3.3% withdrawal rate (30× rule), the target is $1,354,080. If you expect average Social Security benefits (~$21,000/year), your portfolio needs to cover the remaining $24,136/year.
Is Great Falls a good place to retire?
Yes — Great Falls is a budget-friendly retirement destination at $45,136/year, 13% below the national average. Your retirement savings will go further here.
What is the biggest retirement expense in Great Falls?
Housing is the largest retirement expense in Great Falls, accounting for approximately 35% of the budget at $15,798/year ($1,317/month). Healthcare is the second-largest at $8,124/year, followed by transportation at $6,770/year.