Hamilton, located in the scenic state of Montana, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Hamilton is crucial for anyone considering a move to this picturesque locale.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and utilities, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $65 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.99.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $5, imported beer $6.5, cappuccino $4.5, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $0.92 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.84.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $6.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Bananas) - Apples cost $5.47 per kg, while bananas are $1.3 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes, Lettuce) - Tomatoes are priced at $3.28 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.49 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.02 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $700 to $1100, averaging $900.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $850.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2400, averaging $1950.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300 to $1800, averaging $1550.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2077.43.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $250, averaging $200.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $89, with an average cost of $69.5.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data averages $120.
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 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$65.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$85.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.99
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.50
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.69
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.50
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.92
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.84
Eggs (regular) (12)
$6.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.00
Apples (1kg)
$5.47
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.49
Tomato (1kg)
$3.28
Banana (1kg)
$1.30
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.02
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$900.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$850.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,950.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,550.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$200.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$69.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$120.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$150.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$140.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$240.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$2,077.43
Hamilton Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Hamilton, MT, presents a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable housing options compared to larger cities.

Dining out can be expensive, particularly at mid-range restaurants, but fast food remains budget-friendly.

Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like eggs and apples are on the higher end.

Transportation costs are manageable, with gasoline prices being quite low.

Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to a balanced monthly budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hamilton, MT, offers a balanced cost of living that can appeal to those seeking a quieter lifestyle without the high expenses of urban centers.

While dining and some grocery items may be costly, affordable housing and low transportation costs help offset these expenses.

Overall, Hamilton provides a comfortable living environment with a mix of affordability and quality of life.