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Cost of Living in Great Falls

Is it better to rent or buy in Great Falls? 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.

$71,468
$1,058/mo

Median in area: $1,058

$271,669

Median in area: $271,669

$54,334

If you Rent

🔑
$1,226 /mo
Base Rent$1,058
Est. Utilities$168
% of Income20.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,730

If you Buy

🏠
$1,851 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,374
Taxes & Ins$309
Est. Utilities$168
% of Income31.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,105

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Great Falls?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Great Falls. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,226, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,851 per month (a difference of $625).

How much do utilities cost in Great Falls?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Great Falls is approximately $168. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Great Falls?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Great Falls without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $49,040 per year.