Cost of Living in Helena, MT - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,136 (excluding rent), and $3,004 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,409 (excluding rent), and $5,705 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.62 $19.62

$11.77 $11.77

$28.44 $28.44

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$91.4 $91.4

$50.8 $50.8

$122 $122

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.47 $13.47

$10.23 $10.23

$15.47 $15.47

Cappuccino

$5.13 $5.13

$3.8 $3.8

$6.01 $6.01

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.87 $1.87

$2.96 $2.96

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.73 $1.73

$1.37 $1.37

$1.97 $1.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.9 $4.9

$3.43 $3.43

$8.82 $8.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.38 $6.38

$4.91 $4.91

$6.87 $6.87

Milk (1 liter)

$1.18 $1.18

$0.8 $0.8

$1.31 $1.31

White Bread (500g)

$4.32 $4.32

$2.34 $2.34

$4.92 $4.92

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.66 $3.66

$2.78 $2.78

$4.53 $4.53

Eggs

$4.17 $4.17

$1.77 $1.77

$4.44 $4.44

Local Cheese (1kg)

$30.77 $30.77

$17.84 $17.84

$43.69 $43.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.36 $9.36

$9.01 $9.01

$9.71 $9.71

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.86 $19.86

$19.85 $19.85

$19.87 $19.87

Apples (1kg)

$4.74 $4.74

$3.24 $3.24

$6.08 $6.08

Banana (1kg)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.26 $1.26

$2.16 $2.16

Oranges (1kg)

$4.54 $4.54

$4.21 $4.21

$5.23 $5.23

Tomato (1kg)

$5.42 $5.42

$3.7 $3.7

$8.21 $8.21

Potato (1kg)

$2.13 $2.13

$1.04 $1.04

$3.2 $3.2

Onion (1kg)

$1.8 $1.8

$1.46 $1.46

$2.14 $2.14

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.65 $1.65

$1.55 $1.55

$1.75 $1.75

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.26 $2.26

$1.57 $1.57

$2.96 $2.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.3 $10.3

$10.06 $10.06

$10.69 $10.69

Wine (Bottle)

$12.96 $12.96

$7.96 $7.96

$19.93 $19.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$1.75 $1.75

$1.84 $1.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.56 $1.56

$3.73 $3.73

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.57 $3.57

$1.28 $1.28

$3.57 $3.57

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$60.2 $60.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$10.15 $10.15

$3.05 $3.05

$10.15 $10.15

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.49 $3.49

$1.58 $1.58

$3.49 $3.49

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$44.77 $44.77

$26.27 $26.27

$44.77 $44.77

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.74 $0.74

$1.03 $1.03

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$35.8K $35.8K

$33.7K $33.7K

$38K $38K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$30.9K $30.9K

$24.2K $24.2K

$45.5K $45.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$358 $358

$227 $227

$646 $646

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$78.6 $78.6

$40.64 $40.64

$128 $128

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$92.4 $92.4

$55.4 $55.4

$126 $126

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$50.1 $50.1

$25.07 $25.07

$80.2 $80.2

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.26 $15.26

Cinema Ticket

$10.71 $10.71

$10.2 $10.2

$18.35 $18.35

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,874 $1,874

$1,434 $1,434

$2,324 $2,324

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$22.5K $22.5K

$8,884 $8,884

$34.6K $34.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.8 $59.8

$39.33 $39.33

$118 $118

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$119 $119

$50.3 $50.3

$176 $176

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.7 $88.7

$50.5 $50.5

$126 $126

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$117 $117

$81.3 $81.3

$162 $162

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,678 $1,678

$1,523 $1,523

$1,807 $1,807

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,395 $1,395

$1,086 $1,086

$1,540 $1,540

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,552 $2,552

$1,967 $1,967

$3,147 $3,147

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,249 $2,249

$1,833 $1,833

$2,852 $2,852

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$6,202 $6,202

$3,034 $3,034

$14.1K $14.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,221 $5,221

$2,991 $2,991

$10.7K $10.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,566 $6,566

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.71

7.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 2, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Helena, MT - Frequently Asked Questions

The Cost of Living in Helena, MT, United States sits in the middle ground for the region. It is generally cheaper than major coastal cities or large West Coast metros, while still delivering reliable services and access to outdoor recreation. Housing options range from compact Downtown apartments to larger homes in the West End or Valley, with room to negotiate longer leases. Groceries, dining, and entertainment lean toward practical, local choices rather than premium brands, helping daily expenses stay reasonable. Internet and utilities are dependable for remote work, and the pace suits those who want affordability without sacrificing community. Tip: test a few neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Helena blends small-town warmth with reliable services. When you search housing, you will find options Downtown, West End, and Helena Valley, each with different vibes and price ranges. The Helena, MT, United States living cost serves as a practical anchor for budgeting and helps you compare leases, utilities, and groceries. Grocery stores emphasize local produce and seasonal fare, while casual eateries and coffee spots keep meals affordable. Transport is workable via a modest bus system, plus bike-friendly streets and easy access to surrounding hills for weekend trips. For work and errands, look for coworking spaces and flexible storefronts near your preferred neighborhood. Tip: map your daily routes to save time.

To maximize life in Helena, use a simple budgeting framework that balances essentials with outdoor perks. Seasons influence routines: winter demands warm gear and efficient heating, while summer invites hiking and market strolls. Neighborhood fit matters: Downtown offers walkability and a compact feel, West End balances quiet streets with cafes, and Helena Valley provides space and dramatic views with longer drives. Save by buying in-season produce, using local markets, and trimming discretionary costs like premium takeout. Embrace community events, library programs, and easy access to trails for high quality of life at a comfortable pace. Tip: build a flexible plan and revisit it every few months.