RentData

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

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

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 FY2025
Studio
$1,448
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,626
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,087
63.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,924
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$3,453
Expensive
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Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$83,480/year
Local median income: $87,454
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,087/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$2,087/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $2,087/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

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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🏘️Neighborhoods in Gallatin County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Gallatin County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MT

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⚖️Compare Gallatin County

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📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections