Butte, located in the state of Montana, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Butte is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in various categories, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $3, imported beer $5, cappuccino $5, and Coke/Pepsi $1.25.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.05 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.19.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.15 and $2.76, with an average price of $2.45.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $3.89.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples average $4.96 per kg, while oranges average $1.76 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes average $0.55 per kg, and lettuce costs between $1.5 and $2.09 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.01 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $1.04.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5, with a cost of $0.62 per km and $10 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $900 to $950, averaging $925.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $800 to $850, averaging $825.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600 to $1800, averaging $1700.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1600, averaging $1550.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2196 to $2260.42, averaging $2228.21.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1937.5 to $2196, averaging $2066.75.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $150.
  • Internet - Internet services average $79.95.
Worldwide
United States

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$15.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$60.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.25
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.19
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.45
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.89
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.61
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.50
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$8.05
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.26
Apples (1kg)
$4.96
Oranges (1kg)
$1.76
Potato (1kg)
$0.55
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.80
Rice (white), (1kg)
$4.96
Tomato (1kg)
$2.20
Banana (1kg)
$1.76
Onion (1kg)
$2.19
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.62
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$925.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$825.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,700.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,550.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$150.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$79.95
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$25.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$10.50
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$2,228.21
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$2,066.75
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,500.00
Butte Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Butte offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas, with moderate housing and utility costs.

Dining out can be reasonably priced, especially in casual settings, while grocery prices remain competitive.

Transportation costs are low, particularly for gasoline, making it an economical choice for drivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Butte, MT, presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and transportation options.

While dining and grocery prices are moderate, the overall expenses make Butte an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life.