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Montana

Cost of living in Carter County, MT

Estimated monthly cost
$2,734/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 1,361 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $991 36%
Healthcare $480 18%
Groceries $334 12%
Federal tax $331 12%
Transport $250 9%
Energy $160 6%
State tax $128 5%
Water $60 2%

Rent in Carter County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$884
per month
1 bedroom
$991
per month
2 bedroom
$1,205
per month
3 bedroom
$1,452
per month
4 bedroom
$1,922
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Carter County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$52,171
per year
Individual earnings
$30,300
per year
Per capita
$29,865
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Carter County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$176,600
Annual property tax
$782

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Carter County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$103
per month · 12.9¢/kWh
Natural gas
$57
per month
Annual total
$1,920
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Carter County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.9%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Carter County

State and local tax rates for Montana.

State income tax
5.9%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
0.0%
Combined sales tax
0.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Carter County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
16.4 min
Drive alone
51.9%
Public transit
1.0%
Work from home
29.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Carter County

What it costs to live in Carter County each month.

Single person
$2,734
per month
  • Rent $991
  • Energy $160
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $334
  • Transport $250
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $331
  • State tax $128
Couple
$3,994
per month
  • Rent $1,205
  • Energy $192
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $553
  • Transport $350
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $524
  • State tax $236
Family
$6,377
per month
  • Rent $1,452
  • Energy $240
  • Water $85
  • Groceries $840
  • Transport $450
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $524
  • State tax $236

Frequently asked questions about Carter County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Carter County?

In Carter County, MT, a one-bedroom apartment averages $991 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,205 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,452 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Carter County?

In Carter County, MT, the average household income is $52,171 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $30,300 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Carter County?

The estimated cost of living in Carter County, MT is approximately $2,734 per month for a single person, $3,994 for a couple, $6,377 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Carter County?

The combined sales tax rate in Carter County, MT is 0.00%, which includes the Montana state rate of 0.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Carter County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Carter County, MT would need approximately $2,734 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $52,171 per year ($4,348 per month). Carter County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Carter County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Carter County, MT is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Carter County?

The average home value in Carter County, MT is $176,600, with average annual property taxes of $782, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Carter County compare to other areas?

You can compare Carter County, MT with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Carter County is in Montana.

Other counties in Montana

Browse the full list of counties in Montana, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Montana

Compare Carter County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources