The median cost of assisted living in Montana is approximately $4,900–$5,900 per month, with a midpoint of ~$5,400/month for planning purposes. On an annual basis, families should plan for roughly $58,800–$70,800 per year (midpoint ~$64,800/year), based on the Genworth & CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024 Edition).
Compared to the national median of approximately $5,900 per month, Montana pricing generally falls somewhat below the national average. Moderate housing costs and smaller metropolitan markets help keep assisted living pricing relatively stable across the state.
Major cities such as Billings and Bozeman may exceed the statewide midpoint due to stronger demand and population growth, while smaller communities may fall below the statewide median depending on local facility availability.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of assisted living costs across Montana, including city-level pricing, regional patterns, Medicaid considerations, comparisons to other care types, and long-term financial projections.
Families comparing regional pricing may also want to review assisted living costs in Idaho and Wyoming.
What Is the Average Cost of Assisted Living in Montana?
The average cost of assisted living in Montana typically ranges from $4,900 to $5,900 per month, with a midpoint planning estimate of approximately $5,400 per month.
On an annual basis, this corresponds to roughly $58,800 to $70,800 per year, with a midpoint of about $64,800 annually.
Estimated Annual Cost
At $5,400/month:
• 1 Year: $5,400 × 12 = $64,800
• 3 Years: $64,800 × 3 = $194,400
• 5 Years: $64,800 × 5 = $324,000
These estimates reflect current pricing levels and do not include potential annual increases, which typically range between 3% and 7%.
Montana vs National Comparison
| Location | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Montana | ~$5,400 |
| United States | ~$5,900 |
At roughly $5,400 per month, assisted living costs in Montana are about $500 lower than the national median. Lower housing costs and smaller metropolitan areas contribute to relatively moderate pricing compared with many coastal states.
For a broader overview, see our guide to the national average assisted living cost.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Per Month in Montana?
Assisted living communities in Montana generally charge between $4,900 and $5,900 per month, with a typical planning estimate around $5,400 monthly.
Pricing varies depending on location, apartment size, level of care required, and community amenities. Larger population centers such as Billings and Bozeman often reflect somewhat higher pricing due to stronger demand and growing senior populations.
Smaller cities and rural communities may offer slightly lower pricing depending on housing costs and facility availability.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Montana
Monthly assisted living costs vary across Montana depending on local demand, facility availability, and regional operating costs.
Estimated medians represent modeled pricing benchmarks based on statewide cost data and may vary by community and level of care.
| City | Low Range | High Range | Estimated Median | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $5,720 | $6,700 | ~$6,210 | ~$74,520 |
| Missoula | $5,470 | $6,410 | ~$5,940 | ~$71,280 |
| Bozeman | $5,220 | $6,120 | ~$5,670 | ~$68,040 |
| Great Falls | $4,970 | $5,830 | ~$5,400 | ~$64,800 |
| Helena | $4,830 | $5,660 | ~$5,240 | ~$62,880 |
| Butte | $4,720 | $5,530 | ~$5,130 | ~$61,560 |
| Kalispell | $4,570 | $5,350 | ~$4,960 | ~$59,520 |
| Havre | $4,470 | $5,240 | ~$4,860 | ~$58,320 |
| Miles City | $4,320 | $5,060 | ~$4,690 | ~$56,280 |
Billings and Bozeman generally reflect the highest assisted living pricing due to population growth and demand for senior housing.
Smaller communities may experience somewhat lower pricing depending on local housing costs and the number of available assisted living communities.
Regional Assisted Living Cost Patterns in Montana
Assisted living pricing across Montana varies depending on population density, housing costs, and access to healthcare infrastructure.
Southwestern Montana
Southwestern Montana includes Bozeman and surrounding communities. This region has experienced significant population growth in recent years, which can contribute to higher housing and assisted living costs.
Central Montana
Central Montana communities such as Great Falls often reflect pricing near the statewide midpoint due to moderate housing costs and a stable supply of senior housing.
Eastern Montana
Eastern Montana communities typically have smaller populations and fewer assisted living communities, which can create pricing variability depending on facility availability.
Northern Montana
Northern Montana communities such as Havre may reflect somewhat lower pricing due to smaller markets and reduced demand compared with larger metropolitan areas.
Across Montana, assisted living development is generally concentrated in larger population centers where healthcare infrastructure and workforce availability support senior housing communities.
Montana Senior Housing Market Trends (2026)
Several structural trends are shaping the assisted living market in Montana.
Population growth in certain regions of the state, particularly in areas such as Bozeman and Billings, has increased demand for senior housing services. As the state’s population ages, assisted living communities may continue expanding capacity in larger markets.
Labor availability also plays a major role in pricing. Assisted living providers depend on caregivers and healthcare support staff, and workforce shortages can increase wage pressures.
Additionally, new senior housing development tends to occur primarily in larger cities where population growth and demand justify construction costs. Smaller rural markets often have fewer communities, which may influence pricing depending on occupancy levels.
Over the coming decade, demographic trends suggest continued growth in the senior population and sustained demand for assisted living services across Montana.
What Does Assisted Living Typically Include in Montana?
Assisted living communities provide housing, care services, and daily support for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living.
Typically Included in Base Monthly Cost
• Private or semi-private apartment
• Utilities and building maintenance
• Three daily meals
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Medication management
• Assistance with daily activities
• Transportation services
• Social programs and activities
Often Billed Separately
• Higher levels of personal care
• Memory care programs
• Specialized medical services
• Premium housing units
• Personal companion services
Facilities commonly use tiered pricing models that adjust monthly costs depending on care needs.
Assisted Living vs Other Care Options in Montana
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | $2,900–$4,200 | Seniors needing minimal support |
| Assisted Living | $4,900–$5,900 | Seniors needing daily assistance |
| Memory Care | $6,200–$7,500 | Dementia and Alzheimer’s care |
| Home Care | $4,500–$6,500 | Care delivered at home |
| Nursing Home | $9,000–$11,500 | Skilled medical care |
Assisted living is typically appropriate for seniors who require help with daily activities but do not need the intensive medical care provided in nursing homes.
What Affects Assisted Living Costs in Montana?
Several structural factors influence assisted living pricing across the state.
Location: Larger cities may have higher housing and operating costs.
Level of Care Required: Additional care needs increase monthly fees.
Private vs Shared Units: Private apartments generally cost more.
Memory Care Add-Ons: Dementia care programs increase pricing.
Demand Trends: Population growth and aging demographics increase demand.
Regulatory Environment: Licensing standards and staffing requirements influence facility operating costs.
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Montana?
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living costs.
However, Montana Medicaid may help cover certain care services through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs administered by Montana Medicaid through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
These programs may assist eligible seniors with personal care services delivered within assisted living environments. However, Medicaid generally does not cover housing or meal costs associated with assisted living.
Eligibility requirements depend on income limits, medical needs, and program availability.
How Montana Assisted Living Costs Compare to Other States
| State | Estimated Monthly Median | Relative to Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | ~$5,400 | — |
| Idaho | ~$5,200 | Slightly Lower |
| Wyoming | ~$5,500 | Slightly Higher |
| North Dakota | ~$5,000 | Lower |
| South Dakota | ~$5,100 | Lower |
Regional assisted living pricing in the Northern Plains tends to remain relatively moderate compared with national averages.
Long-Term Cost Planning in Montana
At $5,400 per month with a 5% annual increase, projected costs may look like:
• Year 1: $5,400 per month
• Year 2: $5,670 per month
• Year 3: $5,954 per month
• Year 4: $6,252 per month
• Year 5: $6,565 per month
Over a five-year period, families could spend more than $370,000 depending on care needs and facility pricing.
How to Plan for Assisted Living Costs in Montana
Families often combine several financial strategies to cover assisted living costs.
Common funding approaches include:
• Proceeds from selling a home
• Long-term care insurance
• Veterans benefits
• Retirement savings
• Bridge financing
Planning early can help families manage the financial impact of long-term care.
How to Compare Assisted Living Communities in Montana
Because pricing structures vary across Montana, families should request a detailed fee schedule from each community under consideration. Base monthly rates may not fully reflect higher care tiers, medication management services, or specialized programs such as memory care.
When comparing communities, consider:
• What level of care is included in the base rate
• How care levels are assessed and priced
• Whether annual rate increases are capped or discretionary
• Staffing ratios and caregiver training standards
• Proximity to hospitals and regional healthcare systems
• Contract structure (month-to-month vs. long-term agreements)
In larger metropolitan areas such as Billings and Bozeman, premium pricing does not always correspond directly with higher levels of care. Some communities command elevated rates due to location, newer construction, or expanded amenity offerings rather than materially different care delivery models.
Requesting a written breakdown of all potential fees, including tiered care adjustments, medication management charges, and ancillary service fees, can help families avoid unexpected cost increases over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost per month in Montana?
Most assisted living communities in Montana range between $4,900 and $5,900 per month, with a statewide median near $5,400 per month.
Is assisted living cheaper in Montana than the national average?
Yes. Montana’s median assisted living cost of approximately $5,400 per month is lower than the national median of roughly $5,900 per month.
Are assisted living costs increasing in Montana?
Most assisted living communities implement annual rate increases between 3% and 7%, typically influenced by staffing costs, insurance, and operating expenses.
Which city in Montana has the highest assisted living costs?
Billings and Bozeman typically reflect the highest assisted living pricing in Montana due to population growth and stronger demand for senior housing.
Can Medicaid help pay for assisted living in Montana?
Montana Medicaid may provide limited assistance through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, though housing and meal costs associated with assisted living are generally not fully covered.
Methodology
Pricing estimates are modeled using a range + midpoint planning framework anchored to national industry data, including statewide median figures from the Genworth & CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024 Edition).
State comparisons reflect the published median estimates used across SeniorCareCostGuide. Long-term projections are illustrative planning models based on standardized annual growth assumptions.
For a detailed explanation of how pricing estimates are modeled, see our Assisted Living Cost Methodology.
Sources
- Genworth & CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024 Edition)
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Programs
Last reviewed: March 2026.