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Kalispell, MT

Cost of living in Flathead County, MT

Estimated monthly cost
$3,249/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 108,445 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,249 38%
Healthcare $480 15%
Federal tax $474 15%
Groceries $334 10%
Transport $320 10%
State tax $172 5%
Energy $160 5%
Water $60 2%

Rent in Flathead County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,202
per month
1 bedroom
$1,249
per month
2 bedroom
$1,639
per month
3 bedroom
$2,184
per month
4 bedroom
$2,752
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Flathead County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$71,327
per year
Individual earnings
$39,059
per year
Per capita
$39,403
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Flathead County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$467,700
Annual property tax
$2,867

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Flathead 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 Flathead County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
9.1%

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 Flathead 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 Flathead County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
19.3 min
Drive alone
73.8%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
14.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Flathead County

What it costs to live in Flathead County each month.

Single person
$3,249
per month
  • Rent $1,249
  • Energy $160
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $334
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $474
  • State tax $172
Couple
$4,905
per month
  • Rent $1,639
  • Energy $192
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $553
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $837
  • State tax $330
Family
$7,586
per month
  • Rent $2,184
  • Energy $240
  • Water $85
  • Groceries $840
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $837
  • State tax $330

Frequently asked questions about Flathead County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Flathead County?

In Flathead County, MT, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,249 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,639 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,184 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Flathead County?

In Flathead County, MT, the average household income is $71,327 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,059 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Flathead County?

The estimated cost of living in Flathead County, MT is approximately $3,249 per month for a single person, $4,905 for a couple, $7,586 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Flathead County?

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

Is Flathead County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Flathead County, MT would need approximately $3,249 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $71,327 per year ($5,944 per month). Flathead County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Flathead County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Flathead County, MT is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 9.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Flathead County?

The average home value in Flathead County, MT is $467,700, with average annual property taxes of $2,867, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Flathead County compare to other areas?

You can compare Flathead County, MT with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Flathead County is in the Kalispell, MT metro area.

Other counties in Montana

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

See all counties in Montana

Compare Flathead 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