Skyline of Butte
Cost of Living: 90 34,000

Butte, MT, US

The Richest Hill on Earth with a historic mining district and the Berkeley Pit.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 90

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income $48,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.8%

Job market health

Butte vs US Average

Cost of Living
Butte: 90
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Butte: 92
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Butte: 6.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.8%
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $48,000
  • Unemployment: 3.8%
  • Population: 34,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 185/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 15°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $240,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Cost of Living

Butte's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).

CategoryButteNational AverageDifference
Overall90100-10.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$240,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$160

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Butte:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$8Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$5Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$263Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Butte

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Butte Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/mo.

East Butte

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/mo.

West Butte

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $903/mo.

Remote Work Score

Butte scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
90
Rent
$950
Sunny Days
185
Tax
6.75%
Unemployment
3.8%
Climate
84°F / 15°F

Climate

Butte has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January35°F15°F2.5"
April69°F30°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F33°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.75%
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.85% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Butte, MT, US?

The cost of living index in Butte is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Butte?

The median home price in Butte is $240,000. The housing index is 92.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Butte is approximately $950/mo.

Does Butte, MT have income tax?

Butte is in MT, which has an income tax rate of 6.75%.

What is the climate like in Butte?

Butte enjoys approximately 185 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 15°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.