Cost of Living in Great Falls, MT is
-1.6% Lower
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Great Falls, MT increase in 2024? Great Falls, MT area prices were up 3.1% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Great Falls, Montana    Great Falls is a city in and the county seat of Cascade County, Montana, United States. The 2017 census estimate put the population at 58,638. The pop....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Montana's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $10.3 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Great Falls, MT

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Great Falls, MT by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 12.2%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-16.2%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-7.9%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
-25.6%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 7.3%

Cost of Living Comparison with Great Falls, MT

If you move to Great Falls from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-88.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-46.7%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-16.9%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-14.0%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-54.7%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-78.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToGreat Falls, MT Cost Of Living Comparision
-8.6%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Great Falls, MT

Great Falls is a city in and the county seat of Cascade County, Montana, United States. The 2017 census estimate put the population at 58,638. The population was 58,505 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Great Falls, Montana Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Cascade County and has a population of 82,278. Great Falls was the largest city in Montana from 1950 to 1970, when Billings surpassed it. Great Falls remained the second largest city in Montana until 2000, when it was passed by Missoula. Since then Great Falls has been the third largest city in the st...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Great Falls, MT

Will the cost of food in Great Falls, Montana impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Alberrsons or Carrefour to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Great Falls, MT. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I love to go to sports events, what does Great Falls, Montana have to offer?

Great Falls, MT does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

How much is the average price of internet in Great Falls, MT?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Great Falls, Montana to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Great Falls,MT?

In Great Falls,MT, my friend pays $1600 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Great Falls, Montana that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Great Falls, Montana where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Great Falls, MT to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Great Falls, Montana?

The sales tax for Great Falls is 0. This is the tax (no tax) that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-03-27