Cost of living in MT (Kalispell, Big Sky: sales, insurance, how much)

[SashaBlue]

Does MT have sales tax? Property tax? What is the current price of gas? How much is a 2400 sq. ft. 3/2 home?

[mandapanda]

Montana does not have a sales tax. Some resort areas have a local sales tax. We do have property tax and fairly high gasoline taxes.

As far as the cost of a home, it really depends on where you live. The prices vary greatly and are going up all of the time. When we moved out here to be near family, it was actually cheaper to buy a lot and build a home. Many folks do the work themselves.

Unfortunately, our builders walked, liened and sued us. We countersued as the house was far from finished and had been built of inferior and improper materials. The foundation and framing are so bad, we are being advised to tear it down and start over. There is no consumer protection in Montana, believe me I have looked. So our dream has turned into a nightmare. We did our homework, checked references, etc. Didn't help.

So, be careful if you come out. It is a great state, but the protections you are used to don't exist here. Much of the media reports happy, happy stuff.

[jimj]

Property tax is rather high if you live in the city, a little lower if you live in the county. Gas is running about $2.23 a gallon. Income tax is insanely high here IMO and we are 47th-48th in the nation for income. In the flathead a 2400 sqft house will run you anywhere from the high 200's to the mid 400's depending on lot size, age of house and condition of house as well as location. We had a house by us sell for $630k just 2 weeks ago. It was a rustic cedar house with 2500 sqft and a 30x40 shop on 2 acres. Be prepared for low wages for the most part but there is plenty of work.

[GregW]

Gentrification, anyone? No way that house could be paid for on local wages. We get a lot of teh same in New Hampshire.

[SashaBlue]

Thanks for all of the insight. You really shed some light on the economy and housing expectations. Another question.. is the "Big Sky" worth the hassel? In other words, is the scenary as beautiful as they say and does it compensate for the no consumer protection and the housing prices???

[jenzebel]

Originally Posted by SashaBlue

Thanks for all of the insight. You really shed some light on the economy and housing expectations. Another question.. is the "Big Sky" worth the hassel? In other words, is the scenary as beautiful as they say and does it compensate for the no consumer protection and the housing prices???

We have a saying here that newcomers soon find out is true: You can't eat the scenery.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by jenzebel

We have a saying here that newcomers soon find out is true: You can't eat the scenery.

They also have another one: Poverty with a view....

[notellm]

You will find just about all of our mountain ranges very nice! Its just hard to enjoy when you work eight days a week to make ends meat! I think the Flathead is the most sceinic! I think the cost of living is higher than most here in Kalispell. We pay 1800.00 a month for 5 acers and a moble home, that does not include taxes and insurance. I really do not know how most people make it on the low wages.

[NYMTman]

Well, Montana is still very cheap in comparison to much of the rest of the nation. Western Montana is cheaper than practically everywhere save the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, and the deepest parts of the South. There is nowhere in America cheaper than Eastern Montana.

[jenzebel]

Originally Posted by NYMTman

Well, Montana is still very cheap in comparison to much of the rest of the nation. Western Montana is cheaper than practically everywhere save the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, and the deepest parts of the South. There is nowhere in America cheaper than Eastern Montana.

Your information is incorrect. Most of the rust belt and much of the midwest is cheaper than Western Montana.