Montana is a state with breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast prairies, and pristine lakes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing. Charming small towns and cities like Missoula and Bozeman provide a blend of Western hospitality, arts, and cultural experiences.
For those interested in living in Montana, it’s important to consider the affordability of different cities. The median list price for homes in Montana is $522,600, but there are more affordable options available. Redfin has compiled a list of the 7 most affordable places to live in Montana, all with a median list price under $522,600, including cities like Laurel and Columbia Falls.
#1: Great Falls
Median home price: $315,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $58,272
Great Falls, MT homes for sale
Great Falls, MT apartments for rent
Great Falls is a city with a population of 60,400, offering attractions like the C. M. Russell Museum and riverfront parks. It’s an affordable option for those looking to live in Montana.
#2: Laurel
Median home price: $319,900
Median household income: $62,250
Laurel, MT homes for sale
Laurel, MT apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $319,900, Laurel is a small city with approximately 7,800 residents, offering a charming downtown area and natural attractions like Thompson Park.
#3: Lockwood
Median home price: $344,500
Median household income: $73,625
Lockwood, MT homes for sale
Lockwood, MT apartments for rent
Lockwood, with a population of around 7,300, offers affordable living with attractions like Two Moon Park and the Four Dances Recreation Area.
#4: Billings
Median home price: $359,900
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,317
Median household income: $58,272
Billings, MT homes for sale
Billings, MT apartments for rent
Billings, with a population of approximately 117,400, offers a mix of cultural attractions like the Yellowstone Art Museum and outdoor spaces like Riverfront Park.
#5: Evergreen
Median home price: $479,500
Median household income: $68,039
Evergreen, MT homes for sale
Evergreen, MT apartments for rent
Evergreen, with a population of about 8,500, offers affordable living options with nearby attractions like Lone Pine State Park and the town of Kalispell.
#6: Helena
Median home price: $495,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,815
Median household income: $58,272
Helena, MT homes for sale
Helena, MT apartments for rent
Helena, with a population of 33,100, offers affordable living with attractions like the Holter Museum of Art and outdoor activities at Mount Helena and Mount Ascension Park.
#7: Kalispell
Median home price: $520,000
Median household income: $57,123
Kalispell, MT homes for sale
Kalispell, MT apartments for rent
Kalispell, with a population of 26,100, offers affordable living with attractions like the Northwest Montana History Museum and Glacier Museum of Art, as well as easy access to outdoor adventures at Glacier National Park.
Methodology: All cities must have over 5,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the median list price in Montana. Median home sale price from the Redfin Data Center during April 2025. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2025. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.