Moving to Montana: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
10 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Montana, you’re not alone. The Big Sky Country attracts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Billings and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Montana, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Montana to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Montana information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to MT
Top car shippers to MT
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Montana

Moving to Montana has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out some of the main upsides and downsides of living in the Big Sky Country so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Montana

✓Unmatched natural beauty
✓Bountiful outdoor opportunities
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Delicious unique cuisine
✓No traffic

Cons of living in Montana

✖Dangerous wildlife
✖Remote lifestyle
✖Touristy
✖Lacking in urban amenities
✖Challenging weather

Things to do in Montana

Whether you’re moving to Montana for work, family, or simply a fresh start, there’s so much to explore once you arrive. From vibrant attractions to hidden gems, Montana offers something for everyone, making it easy to find your next adventure.

If you’re planning a family adventure or going out solo and hoping to make new friends, these spots have you covered. With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Montana

Glacier National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Lewis & Clark Trail
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Museum of the Rockies
Lake McDonald
Montana Historical Society Museum
Montana State Capitol
The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Museums in Montana

National Museum of Wildlife Art
Museum of the Rockies
Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
Moss Mansion
Conrad Mansion
World Museum of Mining
Images of Nature by Thomas Mangelsen
American Computer & Robotics Museum
Sunti World Art Gallery
Fort Missoula Museum

Parks in Montana

Lone Pine State Park
Caras Park
Sacajawea Park
Herron Park
Phil Baux Park
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Whitefish Lake State Park
Pioneer Park
Crystal Park
Riverfront Park

Fun facts about Montana

Every state has its own unique vibe shaped by its history, culture, and people. Getting to know local traditions and quirks is the best way to truly experience life in a new place.

Discovering these fun facts about Montana highlights what sets the state apart—and might even inspire you to move there.

The name Montana has a Spanish origin. The earliest Spanish settlers named the state “montaña” and it means mountain in Spanish. Montana is one of the nine mountainous states located in the western United States.
The motto of Montana is “oro y plata” and this means “gold and silver” in Spanish. This motto is taken from the gold and silver deposits in the state. Gold was first discovered in Montana in 1852.
Butte, Montana is called the “richest hill on planet earth”. This is because of the rich mining history of this city.
Montana has a very low population density. Of the state’s 56 counties, 46 counties have average populations of just 6 people or less per square mile. This is why these counties are considered “frontier counties”
Montana has a large population of grizzly bears. This is probably why the grizzly bear is the state animal of Montana. An estimated 1800 grizzly bears are thought to be alive today.
The largest city in Montana is Billings and the capital city is Helena. Billings is the only city in Montana to have a population of more than 100,000 people while approximately 75,000 people live in Helena.
Montana is the 41st state to be formed in the U.S. preceded by South Dakota and succeeded by Washington. It was incorporated into the union on November 8, 1889.
Montana has a large international border with Canada. It is the only state in the U.S. to share a land border with three Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan)
Montana is the first state in the United States to elect a woman to Congress. Montana native, Jeanette Rankin was elected to Congress in 1916 and re-elected in 1940. Jeanette Rankin was against the World Wars and also opposed the U.S. attack on Pearl Harbour. Her’s was the only vote against the war and she faced furious opposition for her views.
Approximately 10,000 white pelicans migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to Medicine Lake, Montana every spring. These birds are striking because they have wingspans of about nine feet.
There are more cattle than human beings in Montana. This is not surprising because the state is an important center of livestock farming.
The largest snowflake ever observed was seen in Fort Keogh, Montana. This snowflake had an incredible diameter of 15 inches.
One of the largest steer in world history rests in the O’Fallon Museum in Montana. This steer was about six feet tall and weighed an impressive 3,980 pounds.
The Lewis and Clark expedition stopped at Travelers Rest in Lolo, Montana. This is the only site that has physical proof of the presence of these explorers.
In 1888, there were more millionaires per capita in Helena, Montana than any other city on earth. Most of these millionaires made their money from gold.
Montana is large enough to contain six American states. You can fit the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia into Montana.
Part of the Yellowstone National Park is located in Montana. The park experiences 1000-3000 earthquakes annually and is also home to super volcanoes. It is the first national park in the U.S. Montana is also home to the “Crown of the Continent” – the Glacier National Park.
Montana has a huge population of wild buffalo. You can see many of these animals at the National Bison Range close to Missoula.

Montana population and demographics

Thinking about moving to Montana? Here’s what life in the Big Sky Country really feels like—beyond just the numbers.

Opting for a more populous state means you’ll have more job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch infrastructure. On the flip side, settling in a less crowded state offers quieter living and the chance to become part of a tight-knit community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge local job prospects and see how easy it is to access schools or colleges in the area. At the same time, understanding a state’s political climate gives you insight into the values and priorities most important to its residents.

Getting to know the people, lifestyle, and values in Montana is a great way to figure out if it’s a place where you’ll feel right at home.

Metric	Montana
Population	1,132,812
Female	49.7%
Male	50.3%
College graduation rate	34.8%
Political leaning	Republican 58.4-38.5
Crime index	23.37

Montana weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Montana is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

For example, summer highs can affect everything from your energy bills to how much time you’ll want to spend away from the AC, while winter lows help you prepare for what kind of wardrobe (and heating system) you’ll need. Annual snowfall can mean anything from occasional flurries to full-on storms that impact travel and daily routines.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Montana aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Montana
Summer high	84ºF
Winter low	12ºF
Annual rain	15″
Annual snow	49″

Income and cost of living in Montana

Checking out key industries, typical salaries, home prices, and overall living expenses helps you gauge how affordable and practical life can be in Montana.

Understanding which industries power the local economy can give you valuable insight into job prospects and market stability in your field. And when it comes to deciding whether to rent or buy, housing costs will probably be one of the biggest factors shaping your move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These figures aren’t just statistics—they’re useful tools to help you weigh your current lifestyle against what Montana has to offer, so you can make your move with confidence and clarity.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($7.1 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($5.4 billion)
Professional and business services ($3.9 billion)
Manufacturing ($3.3 billion)
Retail trade ($3.2 billion)
Construction ($2.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($2.7 billion)
Finance and insurance ($2.6 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($2.6 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($2.3 billion)

Metric	Montana
Average rent cost	$974
Average home cost	$462,631
Average income (per capita)	$66,341
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	3.3%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	6.75%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Montana

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and community atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school, have kids close to graduating, or just want to be in a place with top-notch educational options, Montana should be high on your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Montana:

Montana State University
The University of Montana
Montana Tech
Montana State University Billings
Carroll College
Rocky Mountain College
Montana State University-Northern
The University of Montana Western
University of Providence

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Montana

We combed through 2,756 moving companies nationwide—including 10 right here in Montana—and got insights straight from movers and people just like you to uncover the top picks in the industry.

Getting ready to move to the Big Sky Country? Check out the top moving companies that will get your stuff to your new place safely, no matter where you’re starting from.

Cost of moving to Montana

Planning your move to Montana? Be sure to budget ahead. Professional movers typically charge about $136 per hour, though your total bill depends on how much you’re hauling and how far you’re going—long-distance moves usually come with a higher price tag than local ones.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

Looking to save on your move? Consider one of the top moving container companies. You can pack and load your stuff on your own schedule, and the company handles all the driving for you. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds—flexibility and savings—without going completely DIY or splurging on a pricey full-service move.

Trying to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is your most budget-friendly option. You’ll be in charge of packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything on your own.

Ready to ditch the hassle of moving by yourself? Professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this convenience typically costs more—so be sure to compare quotes and find an option that fits both your needs and your budget.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Montana

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Montana.

Montana car insurance requirements

In Montana, drivers need to have minimum car insurance liability coverage to comply with state laws. This includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering medical costs for multiple injuries, with a $50,000 cap per incident. Additionally, there’s a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, which covers damages to another person’s vehicle or property. These insurance requirements are essential for all drivers to follow, ensuring legal compliance and promoting safe driving in Montana.

Montana drivers license requirements

New Montana residents need to begin their driver’s license application within 60 days of moving.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Montana?

Moving to Montana is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Montana is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Montana?

On the cost of living index, Montana has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Montana?

The average income in MT is $66,341, and the an unemployment rate is 3.3. Home prices are $462,631, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $974.

What is the downside of living in Montana?

Like any place, Montana has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Big Sky Country include:

Dangerous wildlife
Remote lifestyle
Touristy
Lacking in urban amenities
Challenging weather

Montana Moving Resources

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