Living in the Montana: the ultimate expat guide

Montana's economy combines traditional industries with emerging sectors, creating diverse employment opportunities for newcomers. The state recorded 1.5% job growth in 2024, ranking among the top five states nationally. With a tight labor market and record-low unemployment, employers across multiple sectors actively seek qualified workers.

Key Industries and Employment Sectors

The healthcare sector employs approximately 68,000 people and represents one of Montana's fastest-growing industries, with annual growth around 2.8%. Agriculture remains foundational, with Montana ranking as a top U.S. producer of wheat, barley, and cattle across approximately 28,000 farms spanning 59.7 million acres. Tourism generated $5.45 billion in visitor spending in 2023 and directly supported over 66,550 jobs.

The technology sector, particularly in Bozeman, has earned Montana the nickname "Silicon Prairie." The state received a $41 million federal grant for its Headwaters Tech Hub, supporting software development, engineering, and tech innovation. Mining and energy production, including coal, oil, and natural gas extraction, offer some of the highest-paying positions in the state.

Work Permits for International Workers

International workers require employer sponsorship for U.S. work visas. The most common visa types include H-1B for specialty occupations, H-2A for seasonal agricultural work, and H-2B for temporary non-agricultural positions. Montana employers filed applications for approximately 3,000 visa positions in 2024, nearly double the number from 2016. Gallatin County (Bozeman area) attracted the most H-2B worker requests, primarily in construction, landscaping, and lodging.

Sources: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Montana offers a robust higher education system through the Montana University System, which includes two flagship research universities and several regional campuses. International students benefit from relatively affordable tuition compared to many U.S. states, along with diverse academic programs ranging from engineering and agriculture to the arts and sciences.

Major Universities

Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman is the state's largest institution, with a total enrollment of approximately 16,960 students. Classified as an R1 Research University with very high research activity, MSU offers 205 academic programs including 94 graduate-level programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are $8,460 for Montana residents and $33,287 for out-of-state and international students. MSU is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and sciences.

The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula serves as the state's liberal arts flagship, offering strong programs in journalism, forestry, business, and the arts. Tuition at UM is comparable to MSU, with recent Board of Regents approval for a $432 annual increase over the next two academic years at both flagship campuses. Regional campuses including MSU Billings, Montana Tech in Butte, and UM Western in Dillon offer more affordable options.

Admission and International Students

Montana universities maintain relatively accessible admission standards, with MSU reporting an acceptance rate of approximately 86.83%. The median SAT score for admitted students is 1,160, and the median ACT score is 23. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program offers reduced tuition rates for students from participating western states. Most universities provide dedicated international student services, visa support, and orientation programs.

Sources: Montana State University, University of Montana

Montana attracts retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. The state's favorable tax environment, relatively affordable cost of living in certain areas, and access to outdoor recreation make it appealing for those in their golden years. However, potential retirees should consider healthcare access, winter climate challenges, and the variation in living costs across different communities.

Tax Benefits for Retirees

Montana offers several tax advantages for retirees. The state has no sales tax, reducing the cost of everyday purchases. Social Security benefits are not taxed in Montana. The state's property tax rate of 0.69% on owner-occupied homes falls below the national average. Montana also has no estate or inheritance tax, beneficial for estate planning. The personal income tax ranges from 4.70% to 5.90%, with the top rate recently reduced from 6.5%.

Healthcare and Cost Considerations

The average annual per-person healthcare cost in Montana is approximately $9,081. Major medical facilities include Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings (which is building a new 14-story, 737,000 square-foot facility), and Community Medical Center in Missoula. Rural areas may have limited healthcare access, making location choice important for retirees with health concerns.

For affordable retirement living, cities like Great Falls and Billings offer lower housing costs while maintaining access to amenities and healthcare. The cost of living index in Great Falls is 99.3, just below the national average. However, retirees should budget for heating costs during Montana's cold winters and potentially higher transportation expenses in this car-dependent state.

Sources: Montana Department of Revenue, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Montana's education system serves approximately 162,612 K-12 students across public, private, and homeschool settings. The state emphasizes local control over education policy, giving school districts flexibility in curriculum and programming. For newcomers with children, understanding the available options helps ensure a smooth transition.

Public Schools

Montana operates 843 public schools serving approximately 149,705 students. The state spends an average of $13,769 per public school student annually. Public schools follow Montana Content Standards aligned with college and career readiness goals. The public high school graduation rate remains strong, with most districts exceeding 85%. Major school districts include Billings Public Schools (the largest), Missoula County Public Schools, and Bozeman School District. Enrollment typically requires proof of residency, immunization records, and previous academic transcripts.

Private and International Schools

For the 2025-26 school year, 137 private schools serve approximately 12,907 students in Montana, representing about 8% of all K-12 students. Average private school tuition is $10,630 for elementary schools and $12,105 for high schools. Approximately 61% of private schools have religious affiliations, primarily Catholic or Christian. Notable private schools include Petra Academy in Manhattan, Foothills Community Christian School in Great Falls, and Missoula International School.

Montana now offers tax-credit scholarships and education savings accounts (ESAs) to help families afford private education. The average scholarship amount is approximately $2,200, while students with special needs may qualify for ESA scholarships of approximately $6,800. Homeschooling is also popular, with 4.7% of K-12 students educated at home.

Sources: Private School Review, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Montana's housing market presents significant variation depending on location. The statewide average rent is approximately $1,320-$1,348 per month, notably lower than the national average of $1,645. However, popular destinations like Bozeman and Whitefish command premium prices due to strong demand and limited supply. Montana has experienced some of the highest rent increases in the nation, with projected growth of 20.7% in 2025—more than four times the national average.

Rental Market by City

Bozeman represents Montana's most expensive rental market. A one-bedroom apartment averages $2,078-$2,230 per month, while two-bedroom units average $2,400-$2,442. The median home price in Bozeman is approximately $730,000. Missoula offers mid-range pricing with one-bedroom apartments at $1,432-$1,533 and two-bedrooms at $1,670. Billings, Montana's largest city, provides the most affordable options among major urban areas with one-bedroom rentals averaging $1,112-$1,219 and two-bedrooms at $1,292. Great Falls offers even more affordable housing with a median home price around $318,000.

Renting Procedures

Rental applications typically require proof of income (usually three times monthly rent), credit checks, references, and identification. Most landlords request a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Montana law provides tenant protections outlined in the Montana Tenant-Landlord Guide. Lease terms commonly run 12 months, though month-to-month arrangements exist. International renters may face additional requirements such as larger deposits or co-signers due to limited U.S. credit history.

Sources: Rent.com, Zillow

Montana's cultural and recreational offerings rival its stunning natural landscapes. From world-class national parks to vibrant arts scenes in college towns, the state provides diverse entertainment options throughout the year. With 12.5 million visitors annually, tourism shapes much of Montana's cultural identity and creates abundant recreational infrastructure for residents to enjoy.

National Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Glacier National Park, often called the "Crown Jewel of the Continent," offers over 700 miles of trails, pristine lakes, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park attracts millions of visitors annually for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park—the world's first national park—are located in Montana, providing access to geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and grizzly bears.

Beyond the national parks, Montana offers 55 state parks including Makoshika State Park (the largest), Lewis & Clark Caverns, and historic ghost towns at Bannack State Park. Skiing enthusiasts enjoy resorts at Whitefish Mountain, Big Sky, and Bridger Bowl near Bozeman. Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, provides summer water recreation.

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Montana's cities offer rich cultural experiences. Missoula features the historic Wilma Theatre, live music venues, and a thriving arts district. The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman houses one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur fossils. Billings offers the Yellowstone Art Museum and ZooMontana. Annual events include the Tap Into Montana Brew Fest, county fairs throughout the state, and the Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek. Montana ranks third nationally in craft breweries per capita, making brewery tours a popular pastime.

Sources: National Park Service - Glacier, Tourism Matters Montana, Visit Montana

Daily life in Montana reflects the state's expansive geography and independent spirit. With approximately 70,000 miles of highways and relatively low population density, car ownership remains essential for most residents. However, major cities have developed public transit options, and the state's natural beauty encourages an active outdoor lifestyle year-round.

Getting Around

Montana's major cities offer public bus services with varying coverage. Bozeman's Streamline Bus provides fare-free service throughout the city and to nearby communities including Belgrade and Livingston. Missoula's Mountain Line operates 12 fixed routes with zero-fare service seven days a week, including electric-powered buses. Billings MET Transit offers 14 fixed routes at affordable fares with monthly pass options. The average monthly transit pass cost in Montana is approximately $28.

For intercity travel, Jefferson Lines provides bus connections between major cities including Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell. Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger train crosses northern Montana with stops in Whitefish, West Glacier, and other communities. Montana has 16 commercial airports, with Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport serving as the busiest.

Lifestyle and Culture

Montana's lifestyle centers on outdoor recreation and community connection. Residents enjoy relatively affordable gas prices at around $2.92-$3.23 per gallon, approximately 4% lower than the national average. Basic utilities average around $255-$275 per month, with residential electricity rates at 11.64¢/kWh—about 2% below the national average. The lack of state sales tax makes everyday purchases more affordable. Winters can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall in mountainous areas, but residents embrace winter sports and activities.

Sources: Montana Department of Transportation, Streamline Bus, Mountain Line

Montana's overall cost of living ranks 22nd among U.S. states, meaning it's less expensive than over half the country. The average annual personal consumption in Montana is approximately $55,264, translating to about $4,605 per month. Housing costs run approximately 9% higher than the national average, while transportation and utilities are notably lower. The absence of state sales tax provides meaningful savings on purchases.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

A single person living in Montana can expect monthly expenses ranging from $1,800 to $3,500 depending on location and lifestyle. In affordable cities like Billings or Great Falls, a modest budget covers rent, food, transportation, and healthcare. In Bozeman, the same lifestyle costs significantly more due to higher housing prices.

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Families face higher costs, particularly for housing, food, and education. The table below provides estimates based on renting a three-bedroom home and typical family expenses.

Sources: Numbeo, Bureau of Economic Analysis, RentCafe