How Much House Can I Afford in Montana on $70K?
Based on Montana's 0.74% property tax rate and $2,100/yr homeowners insurance.
Can You Afford the Median Home in Montana?
The median home in Montana ($430K) exceeds your $231K budget by $199K. But many areas in Montana have homes well below the median. Check the affordable cities below for areas within your budget.
Affordable Cities in Montana on $70K
These Montana cities have median home prices within your $231K budget.
Up to $15,000 DPA. First-time buyers in Montana should explore this program to reduce upfront costs. Combined with your $231K budget, state assistance can significantly lower the cash you need to close.
Buying a Home in Montana on $70K
In Montana, your $70K salary stretches further than the national average. Because Montana's 0.74% property tax rate is below the national average of 1.1%, your maximum affordable price is $231K — that is $7K more than the $225K you would get using national averages. Lower property taxes mean a smaller slice of your monthly payment goes to the county, leaving more room for the mortgage itself.
Montana's combination of 0.74% property taxes and $2,100/yr insurance puts it in the moderate-cost category. Your $231K budget gives you a solid starting point, though you will be looking below the $430K state median. Focus on cities and neighborhoods where your budget represents strong buying power — in many parts of Montana, $231K buys a well-maintained home in a good school district.
Budget $6K for closing costs in Montana (roughly 1.5% of the purchase price). Combined with your $23,129 down payment, you will need approximately $30K in cash to close. MBOH Regular Bond Program may help offset these costs — contact them early in the process to understand eligibility and timelines. Get pre-approved with a Montana-based lender who understands local programs and can close efficiently.