Moving to Montana: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Montana, you’re not alone. The Big Sky Country atttacts 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.
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Pros & cons of living in Montana
Like any big move, relocating to Montana comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Big Sky Country to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in MT
- ✓Unmatched natural beauty
- ✓Bountiful outdoor opportunities
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Delicious unique cuisine
- ✓No traffic
Cons of living in MT
- ✖Dangerous wildlife
- ✖Remote lifestyle
- ✖Touristy
- ✖Lacking in urban amenities
- ✖Challenging weather
Things to do in Montana
Whether you’re moving to Montana work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Montana has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
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
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Montana, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- 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
While you’re thinking about relocating to Montana, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Big Sky Country.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Montana, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| 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.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
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
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Montana.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Montana and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
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 education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Montana has to offer.
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’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Big Sky Country, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to MT
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Cost of moving to Montana
Before you take the leap to Montana, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
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Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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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
Montana drivers license requirements
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