Average Rent in Gallatin County, MT↑ Rents rising 63.7% YoY🔺 Most expensive in MT
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 122,194
Market Overview
Gallatin County, MT has rental prices ranging from $1,448/month to $3,453/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,626/month — 16% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $87,454/year, spending $1,626/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Gallatin County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,087/month, Gallatin County ranks #1 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.
The Gallatin County Rental Market
The Gallatin County, MT area has a population of about 122,194 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Gallatin County, MT have risen by $812/month (63.7%) over the past year, from $1,275 to $2,087. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Gallatin County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $65,040. The local median household income of $87,454 exceeds that threshold by $22,414, making Gallatin County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Gallatin County, MT has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, 1.7 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Gallatin County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Bozeman Creek ($664,872 median home value), New Hyalite View ($743,944 median home value), Northeast ($768,748 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Gallatin County, MT Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stillwater County | $877 | $928 | $1,218 | $1,705 | — |
| Billings | $1,013 | $1,062 | $1,373 | $1,888 | — |
| Missoula | $1,121 | $1,339 | $1,604 | $2,248 | — |
| Flathead County | $1,202 | $1,249 | $1,639 | $2,184 | — |
| Great Falls | $903 | $948 | $1,244 | $1,743 | — |
| Lewis and Clark County | $1,094 | $1,259 | $1,596 | $2,106 | — |
Rent or Buy in Gallatin County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Gallatin County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Gallatin County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Gallatin CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MTSee how Gallatin County ranks statewide
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