Living Alone in Great Falls, MT: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Great Falls. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
A
$1,033/month
Great Falls is 12% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$17,709
Minimum Salary Needed
$21,250
Comfortable Salary
$358
Essential Costs
$675
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Great Falls Look Like?
Great Falls is a mid-size city in the Western United States with a population of 60,442 and a median household income of $48,126. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $92/month, which accounts for 9% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 12% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $92 | 9% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $20 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $10 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $22 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $176 | 17% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $38 | 4% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $57 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $67 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $220 | 21% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $132 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $70 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $84 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 4% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,033 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Great Falls?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Great Falls:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,434
monthly surplus
Save 58%
$50,000
gross annual
+$2,050
monthly surplus
Save 66%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,667
monthly surplus
Save 72%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,592
monthly surplus
Save 78%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,134
monthly surplus
Save 83%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,675
monthly surplus
Save 87%
Tips for Living Alone in Great Falls
- 💡 Housing: Great Falls's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $132/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a small-size city like Great Falls, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $88/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $38/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $21,250 salary, aim for $655 needs, $393 wants, $262 savings per month.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Great Falls?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Great Falls is $1,033, including $92 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$20 for groceries, and $10 for utilities. This is 12% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Great Falls?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $17,709 to cover basic living expenses alone in Great Falls. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $21,250.
Is Great Falls affordable for a single person?
Yes, Great Falls is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 12% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Great Falls?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 9% of the total monthly budget at $92/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($22) and groceries ($20).