Best Cities for K-12 Teachers in Montana
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $61,000 salary
Montana has 4 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For k-12 teachers earning around $61,000 annually, Billings stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 72.9 and $36,168 left after taxes and rent. 3 cities in Montana sit below the national average cost of living, giving k-12 teachers more purchasing power per dollar earned. Bozeman is the priciest metro at 131.5 on the index, 59 points above Billings.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Billings | 72.9 | $1,417 |
| 2 | Great Falls | 89.1 | $1,284 |
| 3 | Missoula | 92.7 | $1,655 |
| 4 | Bozeman | 131.5 | $2,154 |
Net income = $61,000 salary − federal & Montana state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $61,000 salary for k-12 teachers who educate students in K-12 schools, after applying 2026 federal and Montana state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Montana for k-12 teachers?
Billings is the most affordable city in Montana for k-12 teachers, with a cost-of-living index of 72.9 (national average = 100). On a $61,000 salary, you'd have approximately $36,168 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do k-12 teachers earn in Montana?
K-12 Teachers in Montana earn around $61,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $19,536 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Montana cities?
Across 4 metro areas in Montana, the average cost-of-living index is 97 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Billings at 72.9, while Bozeman is the most expensive at 131.5—a difference of 59 index points.
Other Rankings in Montana
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