19 Pros and Cons of Living in Montana in 2024

1. Pro:  Breathtaking Nature 

Montana is known for its spectacular scenery. With diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and bodies of water galore.

Known as Big Sky Country, Montana’s lack of high-rise buildings provides residents with expansive views across this beautiful state. 

Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park are two prolific outdoor destinations that draw new residents and tourists to Montana.

Combined, both parks host over 6 million visitors per year. 

Quite impressive when you consider that Montana welcomes 12 million visitors annually.

2. Con: Big Bear Country

Montana is home to the largest population of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. There are over 1,000 grizzly bears and approximately 15,000 black bears.

Bears haven’t been a big problem as they tend to stay out in rural areas, so don’t let this put you off.

When planning a move to a state known for its bear population, it’s essential to understand how to stay safe.

Many national parks require that you carry bear spray, including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

You can buy bear spray from camping stores. Many stores will have a demo spray to teach you how to use it correctly.

If crossing from Montana into Canada, you can only have bear spray that is USEPA approved.

3. Pro: Year-Round Outdoor Activities

For the outdoor enthusiast, Montana will be your dream location to call home!

There are plenty of activities to join during the summer, including:

• Hiking
• Rock climbing
• Mountain biking
• Road tripping
• Ziplining
• Foraging

If you’re a keen horse rider, you’re in the right place. Montana is home to over 150,000 horses. 

For watersport fans, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular pastimes on lakes and rivers.

The fun doesn’t end in the winter. There are over a dozen ski resorts in Montana.

Winter activities are extensive, including:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Snowmobiling
• Hot springs
• Dog sledding

4. Con: Long and Dark Winters

Montana winters are long, dark, and cold. 

If you’re into winter sports, the winters pass pretty quickly. If you’re not, it can feel like a survival mission peppered with bouts of cabin fever.

As a Canadian, I’ve experienced my fair share of frigid winters. And I’m happy to say you will thrive in the winter with the right attitude and clothing.

The coldest month is January, averaging -7.6°C (18.3°F) in Montana. 

Before moving to Montana, make sure you stock up on suitable clothing and equipment that will cope with winter life in Montana.

5. Pro: Great Summer Weather

Living in Montana over such long winters will make you appreciate the glorious summer weather even more.

Montana is great for hiking in the summer, but did you know it’s renowned for its whitewater rafting? A great summer activity for the adrenaline junkie.

For the less adventurous soul, boating is popular.

Don’t be surprised to find everyone on the nearest lakes in the hot weather. Montana locals know how to make the most of good weather!

The hottest month of the year is July. You can expect average temperatures of 28.6°C (83.6°F). Perfect swimming weather if you ask me!

6. Con: Locals Don’t Like Change

Montana has experienced rapid population growth since 2020 due to an influx of new residents. 

The resident increase hasn’t gone down well with some locals who want Montana to stay the way it is. 

Many jokingly refer to Bozeman, the most popular city for transplants, as Boz Angeles. 

Montana locals feel that West Coast transplants are bringing California culture instead of adapting to Montana culture.

Having lived in over a dozen countries, I know that respecting local culture goes a long way toward fitting in as a newbie to the area.

This is true whether you’re moving across to a different country or just a few states over.

8. Con: Unreliable Cell Service and Internet

As you’d expect from such a vast and unpopulated area, the cell service and internet are not always reliable. 

Even when it is reliable, it’s unlikely to be fast. 

Moving to a town or city in Montana is a good idea if you work from home and need a good internet connection.

The most populous city in all of Montana is Billings, with 121,000 people. Billings also boasts the fastest internet speeds in the state.

11. Pro: Protected Public Lands 

Nearly one-third of Montana is public land. With access to nature being preserved – this is great for future generations!

A big plus for the avid outdoorsy person is that these public lands provide access to recreational activities, including bird watching and fishing.

Montana has over 400 bird species and almost one hundred fish species. 

As well as approximately 30,000,000 acres of state and federal lands, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is working to unlock public lands.

12. Con: Real Estate Prices 

One of the pros AND cons of living in Montana is rising real estate prices.

The state’s rise in popularity and population has led to an increase in housing prices.

Two of the three fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the USA are in Montana, with Kalispell first and Bozeman third. 

Average listing prices in Bozeman were $465,000 USD as of Feb 2020 but rose to $750,000 USD as of January 2023. 

Moving to Montana will be an excellent real estate investment if this trend continues.

13. Pro: Cost of Living

At only 0.69% over the national average, this is a small price to pay for such incredible access to nature. 

Life in Montana is budget-friendly, with so many free activities on your doorstep.

There’s no need to sign up for a gym when you have free access to over 6400km (4000 miles) of hiking trails!

The average cost of living in the USA is $39,552 USD. Montana will cost approximately $272,90 USD more than this annually, depending on your lifestyle.

Montana does benefit from utility prices 12% lower than the national average!

15. Pro: Your Dog Will Love it!

If you’re planning on buying a property in Montana, get ready to live in one of the most dog-friendly states!

There are many outdoor areas to enjoy, and having a dog seems like a prerequisite for this state. 

And with all those hiking trails, I’m sure Theo would welcome a move there to show off his hiking boots.

Local national parks have limited pet access, but you will still find plenty of activities for you and your furry family member.

16. Con: Outdoorsy People Only

There’s little to do in Montana if you’re not a fan of outdoor pursuits other than frequenting one of the local bars.

Bozeman and Billings have some live music venues, movie theatres, and bowling alleys, but that’s pretty much it. 

Cabin fever can be an issue over the long winters if you’re not a fan of getting out into nature or onto the slopes.

If you don’t enjoy the outdoors, I suggest you think long and hard before moving there. And if possible, visit before making your final decision.

17. Pro: Peace and Quiet

Montana has the third lowest population density in the USA, only beaten by Wyoming and Alaska. 

Few people call Montana home, making it one of the most peaceful places to live.

Buying a cabin out in the country, chopping your own firewood, growing your own veggies, and living off the land is a dream shared by many.

In Montana, you can make that dream a reality.

Living on the outskirts of a town or city gives you the best of both worlds.

19. Pro: No Sales Tax and 6.75% Corporation Tax

Sales tax rates across the USA are added at the register and can make for some not-so-nice surprises.

Say goodbye to that stressful experience in Montana with a sales tax rate of 0%.

This isn’t the only favorable tax rate in Montana. Corporation tax is 6.75%. This explains why there are so many small businesses in the state. 

Perhaps you’ll start that travel blog business you’ve been dreaming about if you move to Montana!