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Cost of Living in Butte County

Is it better to rent or buy in Butte County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$74,275
$964/mo

Median in area: $964

$241,751

Median in area: $241,751

$48,350

If you Rent

🔑
$1,205 /mo
Base Rent$964
Est. Utilities$241
% of Income19.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,985

If you Buy

🏠
$1,836 /mo
P&I (7.035%)$1,291
Taxes & Ins$304
Est. Utilities$241
% of Income29.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,353

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Butte County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyCarter County, MT
$824/mo
countyCrook County, WY
$851/mo
countyLawrence County, SD
$984/mo
countyHarding County, SD
$521/mo
countyMeade County, SD
$1,166/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Butte County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Butte County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,205, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,836 per month (a difference of $631).

How much do utilities cost in Butte County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Butte County is approximately $241. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Butte County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Butte County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $48,200 per year.