Salary Needed to Live in Great Falls as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $46,933/year to live comfortably in Great Falls, MT, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $46,933/year to live comfortably in Great Falls, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $40,504/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,781.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,464/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,911/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$46,933
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$40,504
$3,375/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,464
30% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Great Falls
| Expense | Great Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $630 | $1,351 | -53% |
| Groceries | $245 | $207 | +18% |
| Utilities | $121 | $169 | -28% |
| Transportation | $266 | $316 | -16% |
| Car Insurance | $176 | $215 | -18% |
| Health Insurance | $458 | $642 | -29% |
| Internet | $57 | $65 | -12% |
| Phone | $75 | $85 | -12% |
| Dining & Social | $264 | $300 | -12% |
| Entertainment | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Personal Care | $66 | $75 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $2,464 | $3,545 | -30% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,464
Target savings (10%):$317/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,781
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$46,933
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$630
Studio/1BR rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$317/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
Great Falls is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $630/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $568/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $40,504/year as the survival floor and $46,933/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Great Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Great Falls?
A single person needs approximately $46,933/year ($3,911/month gross) to live comfortably in Great Falls with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Great Falls?
A studio/1br in Great Falls costs approximately $630/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Great Falls affordable for a single person?
Yes, Great Falls is 30% more affordable than the national average for a single person.