RentData

Average Rent in Great Falls, MT Rents rising 27.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 84,601

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Great Falls, MT has rental prices ranging from $903/month to $1,977/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $948/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $66,203/year, spending $948/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Great Falls Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,244/month, Great Falls ranks #30 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 84% of all US cities in our data.

The Great Falls Rental Market

The Great Falls, MT area has a population of about 84,601 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Great Falls, MT have risen by $265/month (27.1%) over the past year, from $979 to $1,244. 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 Great Falls, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,920. The local median household income of $66,203 exceeds that threshold by $28,283, making Great Falls relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Great Falls, MT is $342,702, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 23 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$903
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$948
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,244
27.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,743
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,977
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Great Falls
Median Home Value
$342,702
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,824/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Great Falls, 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
$49,760/year
Local median income: $66,203
To buy a median home
$72,960/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,244/month and 20% down on a $342,702 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
Gallatin County$1,448$1,626$2,087$2,924
Flathead County$1,202$1,249$1,639$2,184
Lewis and Clark County$1,094$1,259$1,596$2,106

Rent or Buy in Great Falls?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Great Falls data

$
Home Value
$342,702
2BR Rent
$1,244/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,824/mo
🏠 Buy

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

Total monthly buy cost: $2,524/movs rent: $1,244/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $342,702 home at 7% rate

20% — $68,540
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,824
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$274,162
Total Paid
$656,641
Total Interest
$382,479
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Great Falls

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Great Falls

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Great Falls

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Great Falls

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MT

See how Great Falls ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Great Falls

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections