The 6 Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana (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

What makes Great Falls one of the most affordable places to live in Montana?

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 sold home price around $325,000 (per Redfin, April 2025).

The city's job market is anchored by two of its largest employers: Malmstrom Air Force Base, home to more than 4,000 military and civilian personnel, and Benefis Health System, which serves a 15-county region with over 3,000 employees. 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

Is Butte, MT an affordable place to live?

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 $275,000 (per Realtor.com/Homes.com aggregated data), while in Bozeman it's above $750,000.

With a population of roughly 35,000, Butte has a mix of college-town energy, thanks to Montana Technological University (Montana Tech), and a tight-knit, hard-working community. Just down the road is Anaconda, another Montana town with a similar price point. Access to places like Georgetown Lake and outdoor recreation make this area even more appealing.

Billings + Laurel, MT

Is Billings affordable compared to other Montana cities?

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 strong work opportunities for residents in the 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. Photo credit Wikipedia

Havre, MT

What is the most affordable small town in Montana?

Many of Montana's smaller towns offer more affordable housing than the larger cities, though finding a higher-paying job can be more of a challenge. 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, BNSF Railway, and Montana State University Northern provide steady job opportunities in the area. Photo courtesy of Havre Chamber of Commerce

Lewistown, MT

What is it like to live in Lewistown, MT?

With a population of just over 6,000 people, Lewistown is not too big and not too small, depending on the person. The median home price is around $330,000, and you'll find some 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

Is Dillon, MT a good place to live?

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 solid option for anyone looking for 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.

The Gallatin Valley, MT

What if Bozeman is still on your list? The Gallatin Valley might surprise you.

A lot of people researching affordable places to live in Montana assume Bozeman is simply out of reach, and for some budgets, that's true. But the Gallatin Valley is bigger than Bozeman proper, and the surrounding communities offer a genuinely different price point without giving up what draws people here in the first place.

Belgrade is the most obvious example. One of Montana's fastest-growing communities over the past decade, it has a median home price that sits meaningfully below Bozeman's, and it's close enough that most residents commute to Bozeman for work, school, or weekend plans without thinking twice. You get new construction, room to breathe, and quick access to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Manhattan and Three Forks are a little farther west on I-90 and offer even more value, with small-town character, strong community roots, and the same mountain backdrop that makes this valley worth moving to.

Pro tip: If you're relocating to the Bozeman area and price is a real factor, it's worth looking at what's available in Belgrade and the west end of the valley before ruling anything out. The gap between Bozeman proper and its neighbors can be significant, and the lifestyle trade-off is smaller than most people expect.

Want More? 

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