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Cost of Living in Helena, MT

Population 33,639 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,092
Median home value$387,300
Median household income$71,036

The median rent in Helena, MT is $1,092/month, about the same as the Montana median and 23% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $387,300, 16% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $71,036 a year, 2% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 18.4%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $43,680/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 5.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,958/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Helena vs. Montana vs. U.S.

HelenaMontanaU.S.
Median rent$1,092$1,081$1,413
Median home value$387,300$375,800$332,700
Median household income$71,036$72,509$80,734
Homeownership rate52.6%69.2%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher50.6%35.2%35.7%
Poverty rate8.8%11.5%12.5%
Unemployment rate2.9%3.6%5.2%
Work from home16.2%12.5%15.1%
Median age40.540.438.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Helena, MT?

The median gross rent in Helena, MT is $1,092 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Helena, MT?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $43,680 a year in gross income.

Is Helena, MT expensive to live in?

Rent there is 23% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 5.5 times the median household income.

Other cities in Montana

Billings, MTRent $1,138 · Income $73,712Missoula, MTRent $1,189 · Income $70,392Great Falls, MTRent $900 · Income $63,373Bozeman, MTRent $1,717 · Income $85,747Butte-Silver Bow, MTRent $856 · Income $61,857Kalispell, MTRent $1,078 · Income $63,415

Cities with a similar cost of living

Fremont, NERent $1,080 · Income $71,152Lincoln, NERent $1,086 · Income $71,867Rapid City, SDRent $1,109 · Income $70,870Mandan, NDRent $1,083 · Income $71,780Kernersville, NCRent $1,082 · Income $71,918Parma, OHRent $1,087 · Income $69,295

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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