From the endless outdoor adventures and the stunning natural beauty to the low cost of living and ample john opportunities, there is no shortage of reasons why Montana is a fantastic place to live. But with limited access to amenities, poor public transportation, and sometimes extreme weather, living in Big Sky Country also has drawbacks.
Packing up and moving states is a big deal—but you’ll want to know the pros and cons of where you’ll be living before you fully commit. With some of the most stunning scenery and epic adventures you can find paired with a low cost of living, Montana might seem like the perfect spot to settle. Of course, it has its share of downsides, too.
Where do you sit with living in Montana? If you’re struggling with whether it’s the right place for you, don’t worry—Jerry
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, has compiled a list of the biggest pros and cons of living in Montana to help make your decision easier! Pro: You can’t beat the outdoor setting
While Montana may not be the first state that comes to mind for breathtaking scenery—places like Colorado and Hawaii probably come to mind first—it might take you by surprise. Montana offers a piece of the Rocky Mountains, big lakes, incredible seasons, and two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world: Yellowstone National Park
in the south and the broad shoulders of Glacier National Park in the north. But despite its ‘Big Sky Country’ moniker, the sky isn’t bigger than anywhere else—the mountains just define it. While you may not get endless skies, you will get miles of wide-open spaces. Plus, Montana is home to just one million people, so if you’re looking for land, you’ll probably have a large chunk to yourself.
Pro: Cost of living is relatively inexpensive
If you’ve dreamed of owning land, Montana might be a good place to settle—and it won’t break the bank. The cost of living index in Montana is 94, six points below the national average of 100, making Montana a cheaper place to live than most states.
According to the U.S. Census, the average household income in Montana in 2020 was $56,539, but it is possible to live on less. To live comfortably in Montana, you’ll need to earn a minimum of $33,946 per year to support a single adult or $76,979 for a family of four. Unfortunately, the minimum wage is just $9.20 per hour
Additionally, the average home price in Montana has increased a whopping 26.8% since May 2021 to $445,017—more than $100,000 above the average U.S. home value of $337,560. But while housing may tip the scales in Montana, owning a car is significantly less expensive. Montana car insurance rates average around $1,550 for liability only and $1,774 for full coverage. And with gas prices sitting at $3.902 per gallon as of November 2022, you won’t be feeling nearly as squeezed as in other parts of the country.
Con: The weather can be extreme
Weather in the wild west can be unpredictable, and if you’re not on board with extremes, Montana might not be the place for you. During winter months, Montana transforms from miles of open fields to a full-on white winter wonderland that resembles something out of a Disney book. It can come as early as October and linger until April—and thanks to heavy local winds, Montana’s winters can be wicked.
Summers, on the other hand, are generally pleasant but can be stormy at times. The thunderstorms are typically dry, which can result in wildfires. In 2022, Montana had 23 wildfires—the second most in the country, behind Idaho.
While some of the sights may be picturesque, living in a state where the weather hits the extremes can be challenging. Plus, the risk of extreme weather doesn't bode well for home insurance costs.
MORE: How to do summer car maintenance
Pro: Plenty of great education and job opportunities
If you’re looking to further your education, Montana has plenty of opportunities. Montana University and Montana State University are highly respected post-secondary institutions. And according to bestcolleges.com, Montana graduates even leave with nearly $6,000 less in student debt than the national average.
If you’re looking for a solid education for your kids, the public school system offers some great options.
There’s also ample opportunity for those on the job hunt. Most jobs are concentrated in the big cities, but agriculture and construction jobs are plentiful in rural areas. You’ll also find openings in more traditional industries like business, education, and health care. Oh, and did we mention that Montana’s unemployment rate is just 2.9%?
Con: Public transportation is lacking
If you’re going to live in Montana, you’ll need a car. Public transportation isn’t one of Montana’s strong suits—and even if you find it, it’s generally not very good.
In rural areas especially, roads don’t get as much care as they should. This means you’re often driving on gravel and potholes—a one-way ticket to vehicle damage. And if you’re caught in a storm, chains aren’t going to help. Since winters in Montana can be treacherous (and dangerous), having a vehicle with four-wheel drive is almost 100% essential.
MORE: How to find temporary car insurance in Montana
Pro: An abundance of thrills for the adventure-seekers
With an outdoor scene like Montana has, you know there’s going to be a long list of bucket-list items for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. Although life may be slower in Montana than in most states, the natural landscape lends itself to outdoor adventures like rocking climbing, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and ski mountaineering.
The state is also home to “The Crown of the Continent”—Glacier National Park and part of Yellowstone National Park. With an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna, several lakes and rivers, and plenty of scenic routes for hiking, biking, climbing, and walking, the possibilities to venture off the beaten path are endless.
You might have to travel to find adventure in other states. In Montana, it’s already there—it’s just waiting for you whenever you’re ready for it.
Pro: You won’t hit big-city traffic
With a small population spread across the state, getting from place to place isn’t easy without a car—but you won’t have to worry about big-city traffic in Montana. While public transport and other vehicles aren’t absent in cities and towns, heavy traffic isn’t a thing.
And when the weather turns bad, the roads become even quieter. Slippery driving conditions don’t make for safe travels.
MORE: Montana red light cameras
Con: You’ll need to learn to be self-sufficient
Unless you’re living in Billings, Missoula, Helena, or another more populated area of Montana, you’re probably rural and a good drive away from big city amenities. Living in the Big Sky State sometimes means adjusting to isolation—and learning to be self-sufficient is an important skill. A major windstorm can knock the power out for days or a severe snowstorm may mean a frozen car battery.
You don’t need to prep for doomsday, but basic survival skills and supplies are a necessity in every Montana home.
Pro: It has a thriving ranch culture
You may think we’re joking, but cows outnumber people in Montana—by three times! It’s an agricultural state with over 30,000 farms and ranches.
The annual revenue from Montana’s agricultural sector is more than $4 billion—but living the cowboy lifestyle and earning money isn’t as easy as it sounds. Valleys offer some of the best growing conditions for fruits and vegetables and the prairies are the perfect spot for livestock.
Con: Crime is on the rise
Montana might have a smaller population, but its violent crime rate saw an increase in 2022 from 4.2 per 1,000 people to 4.7. Property crime followed a different trend, decreasing from 22.4 per 1,000 to 21.2. Although significantly less than some states, it’s still higher than the national average of 19.6.
And although Montana doesn’t make it into the top 10 most dangerous states, you’ll want to know the areas to avoid before you decide where to settle down. Helena is the state’s capital and the top choice for those looking for above-average housing and good schooling—but big cities attract bigger crime. Both property crimes and violent crimes are fairly high there, as well as in Wolf Point, Polson, Ronan, and Missoula.
MORE: The best vehicle anti-theft devices to keep your car safe
Pro: Beer culture is big
Of course, we saved the best for last. If you’re a fan of small breweries—or even home brewing—you’ll feel right at home in Montana.
Like many states in the west, Montana has a big craft brewing scene. You're in for some award-winning beer with some of the best locally-grown wheat and barley, clear glacial water, and Pacific Northwest hops. According to the Montana Brewers Association (MBA), the state already has 53 licensed breweries that employ over 500 workers and pull in over $60 million annually.
If you’re looking for a fun hobby, home brewing has grown considerably, too. You’ll find home brewing kits available all over the state!
Is Montana a good state to live in?
Yes. As one of the most unique states in the U.S. with an abundance of natural beauty, unspoiled resources, and peaceful vibes, Montana is a great state to live in—but it doesn't come drawback-free. If you’re considering moving to the Big Sky State, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making the plunge.
Montana is a great state for:
Education and job opportunities
But it might not be the top pick if you’re not keen on extreme weather, expensive housing, or have concerns about crime.
MORE: Cost of living in Montana
How to upgrade your car insurance in Montana
Montana may not make it into the top 10 states with the most expensive car insurance, but treacherous mountain roads, a higher-than-average crime rate, and wicked wild west weather mean higher insurance premiums than you might expect. If you’re not keen on breaking the bank to afford car insurance, there’s an easy solution: meet Jerry
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