Great Falls, located in Montana, is a city known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning their budget.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Great Falls, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $11.5 on average, with a range between $8 and $15.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $37.5, with prices ranging from $35 to $40.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer costs around $3.75 per bottle.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $2 and $2.5.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is priced between $3.5 and $5, averaging $4.17.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.85 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.01.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.61 and $2.99, with an average price of $2.3.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $3.49.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs around $11.02 per kg.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced between $13.23 and $22.02 per kg, averaging $17.63.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost between $4.41 and $6.61 per kg, while oranges average $5.51 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes average $1.65 per kg, and tomatoes are priced at $4.41 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for local transport costs $30.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.87 and $0.9 per liter, averaging $0.88.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1900, averaging $1466.67.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $750 to $1800, averaging $1275.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2100.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2200.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1981.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $1981.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services range from $47 to $99.99, with an average cost of $72.33.
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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 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$11.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$37.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$15.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.75
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.17
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.01
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.30
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.49
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.50
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.50
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$8.38
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$17.63
Apples (1kg)
$5.51
Oranges (1kg)
$5.51
Potato (1kg)
$1.65
Rice (white), (1kg)
$6.61
Tomato (1kg)
$4.41
Banana (1kg)
$2.20
Onion (1kg)
$2.20
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.23
Transportation
Avg / Range
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.88
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,466.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,275.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,100.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,200.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$72.33
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$74.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$70.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,981.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,981.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,909.50
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$800.00
Great Falls Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Great Falls offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are moderate.

Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.

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

Conclusion

In conclusion, Great Falls, MT, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options.

While housing costs can be higher in the city centre, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.

This makes Great Falls an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in a scenic setting.