Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Great Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Great Falls, you need to earn at least $39,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $58,272, which means the typical resident is $18,352 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 60,373

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$699	$2,330	$27,960	$-30,312
1 Bedroom	$828	$2,760	$33,120	$-25,152
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$998	$3,327	$39,920	$-18,352
3 Bedroom	$1,218	$4,060	$48,720	$-9,552
4 Bedroom	$1,497	$4,990	$59,880	+$1,608

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Great Falls's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$58,272

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,352

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Great Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Great Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,457

Studio

$699/mo

1 BR

$828/mo

2 BR

$998/mo

3 BR

$1,218/mo

4 BR

$1,497/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Great Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Great Falls's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Great Falls

Living in Great Falls is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,352 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Great Falls typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Great Falls, a studio at $699/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,218/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $48,720.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $59,880 would position you well — though many residents in Great Falls manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Great Falls, Montana.

With a total population of 60,373, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 28,828 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,920 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

28,828

Active civilian employees in Great Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Great Falls

What salary do I need to live in Great Falls, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Great Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,920. The median household income in Great Falls is $58,272.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Great Falls on $58,272?

The affordability verdict for Great Falls is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.6%, meaning median earners have a $18,352 surplus.

What is the average rent in Great Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Great Falls is $828/month. With a median household income of $58,272, residents spend approximately 20.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Great Falls?

A studio in Great Falls rents for approximately $699/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,960 to afford this.

Is Great Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,352 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Great Falls is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,920 to the local median household income.

How Great Falls Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements