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Bozeman Real Estate Group
What Are the Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana?
On Oct 31, 2025
It’s no secret that Montana has been on everyone’s radar lately. We’ll go ahead and blame Yellowstone, well, at least a little. Whatever the reason, Montana is on the map, and that growth has made Montana an expensive place to call home.
According to the Montana Department of Revenue, the median price of a home in the state is $378,000, and in places like Bozeman and Kalispell, that number climbs significantly higher. Still, there are plenty of great towns and cities across Montana that offer the same charm, community, and mountain views without the sky-high prices.
If you’re looking for a more affordable place to live in Montana, here are a few places worth checking out.
Great Falls, MT
Great Falls is Montana’s third-largest city, with just over 60,000 residents and plenty of small-town charm. It’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the state, with a median home price around $330,000.
The city’s job market is strong, thanks in part to two of Montana’s largest employers being based here. The Missouri River winds right through town, lined with trails and, as the name suggests, a handful of beautiful waterfalls. Great Falls has a rich history, a growing downtown full of local shops and restaurants, and a community that feels both grounded and welcoming. Photo credit liveingreatfalls.com
Butte & Anaconda, MT
Butte sits just 90 miles west of Bozeman, but when it comes to home prices, the difference between the two towns is huge. The median sales price in Butte hovers around $300,000, while in Bozeman it is above $750,000.
With a population of roughly 35,000, Butte has a mix of college-town energy, thanks to Montana Tech, and a tight-knit, hard-working community. Just down the road is Anaconda, another Montana town that has a similar price point to Butte. Access to places like Georgetown Lake and outdoor recreation make this area even more appealing.
Billings + Laurel, MT
Billings is Montana’s largest city and still one of the more affordable places to live in the state. The median sold price of a home is around $420,000, which isn’t the lowest on this list, but jobs here tend to pay more than in Montana's smaller towns.
Billings Clinic is one of Montana’s largest employers, providing a lot of work opportunities for residents in this area. Just 15 miles away, you'll find Laurel, MT, a smaller town with a median home price around $370,000. Many people choose to live in Laurel and make the short commute to Billings for work. Photos credit Wikipedia
Havre, MT
Many of Montana’s smaller towns offer more affordable housing than the larger cities, although finding a higher-paying job can be more difficult. With a population just under 10,000, Havre is a great example of a town that finds the right balance.
The median home price is around $262,000, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Montana. Major employers like Northern Montana Health Care, the railroad, and Montana State University provide steady job opportunities in the area. Photo courtesy of Havre Chamber of Commerce
Lewistown, MT
With a population of just over 6,000 people, Lewistown, MT, is not too big, and not too small, depending on the person, of course! The median home price is around $330,000, and you’ll find some truly beautiful homes here.
The downtown area is lively, with local shops, restaurants, and community events throughout the year. The Judith River runs right through town, and with several mountain ranges nearby, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had. Photo credit enjoylewistown.com
Dillon, MT
Located in southwest Montana with a population of just over 4,000, Dillon has a median home price of around $400,000, making it a great option for anyone looking for a little more value compared to nearby Bozeman.
Dillon is home to the University of Montana Western, which brings college-town energy to the community. It’s also home to a Patagonia outlet store, and really, who doesn’t love that? Like much of Montana, outdoor recreation is easy to find here, and both Butte and Bozeman are close enough when you need city amenities or a flight out of town.
FAQ
Some of the most affordable towns in Montana include Great Falls, Butte, Anaconda, Havre, Lewistown, and Dillon. Each offers a lower median home price and strong community feel.
Housing tends to be most affordable in smaller Montana towns such as Butte, Havre, and Lewistown, where home prices average well below the state median of $537,000.
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