Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Montana's overall cost of living index was about 102.9 in 2024 (US=100), slightly above the national average, driven mainly by elevated housing costs.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Montana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 94.6 | 100 |
- •Montana's cost of living index has risen faster than most neighboring states since 2020.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest driver of Montana's cost of living, with a housing cost sub-index of about 110.5 in 2024, well above the national baseline of 100.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Montana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 84.6 | 100 |
- •Housing is the only major expense category where Montana runs meaningfully above the national average.
Utility Costs
Montana households pay relatively low utility bills, helped by average electricity prices of 11.9 cents/kWh in 2024, below the national average.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (West region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU040072610).
| Indicator | Montana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 72.3 | 100 |
| Electricity price (c/kWh) | 11.9 | 16.1 |
- •Montana generates roughly 34% of its electricity from hydropower, helping keep Montana utility costs competitive.
Food Costs
Grocery prices in Montana run close to the national average, with a food cost sub-index of about 99.8 in 2024, reflecting the state's rural distribution costs.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (West region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, West region, annual average (CUUR0400SAF1).
| Indicator | Montana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96 | 100 |
- •Long distances between Montana towns mean grocery prices vary more by region than in most states.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Montana run modestly above the national average, with a sub-index of about 104.6 in 2024, reflecting limited provider access in rural counties.
Medical care price index (West region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, West region, annual average (CUUR0400SAM).
- •Some rural Montana counties have no hospital within 50 miles, raising effective healthcare costs.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Montana run slightly above the national average, with a sub-index near 103.2 in 2024 due to long commuting distances and vehicle dependence.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Rocky Mountain region (PADD 4), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R40_DPG).
| Indicator | Montana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.42 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Despite low traffic congestion, Montana drivers cover some of the longest average distances in the country.