Montana isn’t just where you live—it’s where you feel alive. From the towering peaks of Glacier National Park to the energy of Missoula, this state is packed with moments that take your breath away. But life here isn’t all scenic drives and quiet mornings; it comes with its own set of challenges, like harsh winters and wildfire seasons. In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll break down the good, the bad, and everything in between to help you decide if Montana is a good place to live.
Renting in Montana snapshot
| Population | 1,137,233 |
| Avg. studio rent | $837 per month |
| Avg. one-bedroom rent | $901 per month |
| Avg. two-bedroom rent | $1,070 per month |
| Most affordable cities to rent in Montana | Sidney, Helena, Missoula |
| Most walkable cities in Montana | Helena, Bozeman, Missoula |
1. Pro: Living here won’t break the bank
Montana has a relatively affordable cost of living, especially compared to coastal states. Housing is a significant draw, with cities like Billings offering median home prices around $3679,900 and one-bedroom apartments renting for $1,370. Rural areas often have even lower costs, though they come with fewer amenities. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are generally affordable, making Montana an attractive option for those seeking a balance between quality of life and cost.
2. Con: Winters are beautiful, brutal and icy
Montana winters are not for the faint of heart. Cities like Bozeman and Helena often see heavy snowfall, making them a dream for skiing and snowboarding. However, temperatures can dip well below freezing, especially in rural areas where the windchill can be brutal. Roads in mountainous regions like Big Sky are frequently icy and require caution, but for many residents, the snow-covered landscapes and the chance to hit the slopes at resorts like Whitefish Mountain make the challenges worth it.
3. Pro: Various national parks to enjoy
Montana is home to two of the most famous national parks in the United States: Glacier and Yellowstone. Glacier National Park, often called the “Crown of the Continent,” has breathtaking mountain vistas, ancient glaciers, and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats and grizzly bears. Yellowstone, which extends into Montana’s southern border, is known for geothermal features like Old Faithful and its diverse ecosystems teeming with bison, wolves, and elk.
4. Con: The struggle for jobs in rural areas
While Montana’s economy is growing, the state still faces challenges in providing diverse job opportunities, particularly in more rural areas. Sectors such as technology and healthcare may offer limited options outside of major cities like Billings and Missoula, leading to potential difficulties for residents seeking employment in these fields.
5. Pro: Native American and Western Culture
Montana’s rich cultural heritage is a blend of Native American traditions and Western cowboy culture. The state is home to 12 Native American tribes, and events like the Crow Fair and Rodeo celebrate their history through art, dance, and storytelling. Meanwhile, cowboy culture thrives at annual rodeos and events such as the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. Museums like the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman further showcase the state’s history, from Native artifacts to exhibits on the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition.
6. Con: Prepare to drive for services
Montana’s vast size and sparse population mean some residents live hours away from essential services. Rural areas, especially in the eastern part of the state, often lack immediate access to healthcare, grocery stores, and schools. Winter can make matters worse, with heavy snowfall isolating communities for days at a time.
7. Pro: Fresh air and pristine waters
Thanks to its low population density and lack of heavy industry, Montana boasts some of the cleanest air and water in the country. The state’s wilderness areas, like the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Bitterroot Valley, remain unpolluted, offering residents and visitors pristine environments for hiking and fishing. Flathead Lake and the Missouri River provide clean water for recreation and drinking, and many towns have made conservation efforts a priority to maintain these natural resources.
8. Con: Wildfire season is a real concern
While Montana’s summers are beautiful, they come with a risk of wildfires, particularly in dry, forested areas. Wildfires can spread quickly, especially in places like the Bitterroot Valley or Helena National Forest, threatening homes, wildlife, and air quality. Smoke from fires often blankets entire regions, impacting visibility and creating respiratory hazards. Residents in fire-prone areas are encouraged to prepare evacuation plans.
9. Pro: Iconic wildlife encounters
Montana is a wildlife dream, with species ranging from majestic grizzlies to playful otters. Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are hotspots for spotting bears, wolves, and elk in their natural habitats. Beyond the parks, the state’s prairies support herds of bison and pronghorn antelope, while rivers like the Madison and Yellowstone are prime spots to catch sight of bald eagles and ospreys. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can take guided wildlife tours that bring them safely closer to these animals.
10. Con: Seasonal tourism can get crowded
Montana’s popularity as a vacation destination means the state sees a significant influx of tourists during peak seasons. Summer brings hikers, campers, and anglers to places like Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, while winter draws skiers to Big Sky Resort. While tourism boosts the local economy, it also creates challenges, such as crowded trails, traffic congestion, and higher prices for accommodations.
11. Pro: Landscapes are straight out of a postcard
Montana’s landscapes range from the towering Rocky Mountains to expansive plains that seem to stretch forever. Glacier National Park is one of the state’s most famous attractions, featuring rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road—a scenic drive like no other. Meanwhile, Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, provides crystal-clear waters perfect for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. On the eastern side of the state, the rolling prairies provide an entirely different beauty, showcasing the simplicity and vastness of Montana’s countryside.
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide.