Montana Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life

Montana ranks as one of the most veteran-friendly states in America with 10.7% of adults being veterans - one of the highest concentrations nationwide. Starting in 2026, Montana will exempt 50% of military retirement income from state taxes, and the state has no sales tax, making it increasingly attractive for military retirees.

But where should you actually live? Montana's cities vary dramatically in housing costs, job opportunities, access to VA healthcare, and lifestyle.

This guide ranks Montana's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran populations, and quality of life factors.

Bottom Line Up Front

Best overall for veterans: Billings (affordability, VA clinic, jobs, amenities) Best for outdoor lifestyle: Missoula, Kalispell/Whitefish, Bozeman Best for affordability: Great Falls, Butte, Havre Best for healthcare access: Helena (Fort Harrison VA Medical Center) Best military community: Great Falls (Malmstrom AFB)

Median home price range: $245,000 (Butte) to $659,000 (Bozeman) State average: $445,000 (2025)

Important note: Montana has experienced significant housing appreciation. Prices are higher than Midwest/South but lower than West Coast.

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Montana

1. Billings - "Magic City"

Overall Grade: A

Why it's #1: Billings offers the best combination of affordability (for Montana), job opportunities, VA clinic access, and big-city amenities.

Veteran Population

Yellowstone County veterans: 10,000+ (highest in Montana)
Concentration: 9.5% of adult population
Strong veteran community

Housing Market

Median home price: $378,000
Most affordable major metro in Montana
Property tax with $240 reduction: Reduced by $240 annually for 100% disabled veterans
Property tax rate: ~0.74% of market value

Example tax:

Home value: $378,000
Annual property tax: ~$2,800
With veteran reduction: ~$2,560

Cost of Living

Overall index: 95.2 (4.8% below national average)
Housing: At national average (much lower than other Montana metros)
Groceries: 5% above national average
Healthcare: Below national average
No sales tax: Saves $800-$1,500 annually vs. sales tax states

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Billings Clinic (largest employer, 5,000+ employees)
St. Vincent Healthcare
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Montana State University - Billings
MetraPark
ConocoPhillips
CHS Inc. (agriculture)
First Interstate Bank

Industries: Healthcare, energy, agriculture, education, finance

Average salary: $52,000

Veteran-friendly employers: Billings Clinic and St. Vincent actively recruit veterans for healthcare roles

VA Healthcare Access

Billings VA Clinic: 1766 Majestic Lane, Billings, MT 59102
Phone: (406) 651-3430
Services: Primary care, mental health, audiology, telehealth
Billings Vet Center: 2795 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 1

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (230 miles west in Helena) - manageable distance

Best VA clinic access in Montana (largest CBOC)

Quality of Life

Climate: Semi-arid, 300+ sunny days/year, mild winters (avg 30°F), warm summers (avg 85°F)
Outdoor recreation: Rimrocks hiking, Yellowstone River (blue-ribbon trout fishing 10 miles south), 60 miles to Beartooth Mountains
Culture: Montana's largest city, museums, ZooMontana, MetraPark events, minor league baseball (Mustangs)
Food: Growing restaurant scene, breweries
Education: MSU-Billings, Rocky Mountain College, excellent public schools
Airport: Billings Logan International (best air service in Montana)

Pros:

Most affordable major Montana city
Best VA clinic in state
Strong job market
Big-city amenities with Montana feel
Excellent air travel connections
300+ days of sunshine
Reasonable drive to Yellowstone (115 miles)

Cons:

No VA medical center (must travel to Helena for complex care)
Less dramatic mountain scenery than western Montana
Wind can be strong
Energy economy can fluctuate

Bottom line: Billings is the best all-around choice for Montana veterans seeking affordability, jobs, healthcare access, and amenities. It's Montana's most "livable" city for veterans on a budget.

2. Great Falls - "Electric City"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #2: Active military base (Malmstrom AFB), affordable housing, strong veteran community, VA clinic.

Veteran Population

Cascade County veterans: 6,000+
Military connection: Malmstrom Air Force Base (3,500+ active duty, 1,000+ civilians)
Highest veteran concentration in Montana metros (13% of adults)

Housing Market

Median home price: $275,000
Most affordable metro in Montana
Property tax rate: ~0.73%

Example tax:

Home value: $275,000
Annual property tax: ~$2,000
With veteran reduction: ~$1,760

Cost of Living

Overall index: 92.8 (7.2% below national average)
Housing: 12% below national average
One of most affordable metros in Montana
No sales tax

Employment Opportunities

Malmstrom Air Force Base:

341st Missile Wing (ICBM)
Civilian jobs: Engineering, IT, security, administration
Defense contractors: Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SAIC

Other major employers:

Benefis Health System (largest employer in north-central Montana, 2,500+ employees)
Great Falls Public Schools
Montana Air National Guard (120th Airlift Wing)
Cascade County government

Federal employment: High concentration due to Malmstrom AFB

VA Healthcare Access

Great Falls VA Clinic: 1417 9th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: (406) 452-1975
Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (90 miles south in Helena) - very manageable

Malmstrom AFB medical facilities also available for active duty and retirees with TRICARE

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold winters (avg 25°F), warm summers (avg 82°F), windy
Outdoor recreation: Missouri River (blue-ribbon fishing), Giant Springs State Park, Lewis & Clark Trail, Bob Marshall Wilderness nearby
Culture: C.M. Russell Museum (Western art), historic downtown, minor league baseball
Military community: Strong support network through Malmstrom
Education: University of Providence, Great Falls College MSU

Pros:

Most affordable major Montana city
Active military base (familiar culture, commissary, exchanges)
Strong veteran community
VA clinic and close to Fort Harrison VA
Federal/contractor employment
No sales tax

Cons:

Cold, windy winters
Economy depends heavily on Malmstrom AFB
Smaller city with fewer amenities than Billings
Limited cultural/entertainment options

Bottom line: Great Falls is perfect for veterans wanting to stay connected to military community via Malmstrom AFB or seeking federal/contractor employment. Most affordable Montana metro.

3. Missoula - "Garden City"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #3: University town, outdoor recreation mecca, VA clinic, excellent quality of life.

Veteran Population

Missoula County veterans: 6,500+
University of Montana student veterans: 800+
Strong veteran community due to university programs

Housing Market

Median home price: $475,000
Above state average but lower than Bozeman/Kalispell
Property tax rate: ~0.74%

Example tax:

Home value: $475,000
Annual property tax: ~$3,500
With veteran reduction: ~$3,260

Cost of Living

Overall index: 102.5 (2.5% above national average)
Housing: 15% above national average
Otherwise reasonable for mountain West college town
No sales tax

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

University of Montana (largest employer, 3,500+ employees)
St. Patrick Hospital/Providence
Missoula County Public Schools
City of Missoula
Federal agencies (Forest Service, BLM, Fish & Wildlife)

Industries: Education, healthcare, federal land management, outdoor recreation, technology

Tech sector: OnX Maps (outdoor GPS app), other startups

Remote work: Many residents work remotely for out-of-state companies

VA Healthcare Access

Missoula VA Clinic: 2687 Palmer Street, Suite C, Missoula, MT 59808
Phone: (406) 542-8250
Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
Missoula Vet Center: 910 Brooks Street

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (115 miles east) - manageable distance

Quality of Life

Climate: Four seasons, cold winters (avg 25°F), warm summers (avg 85°F), smoky in late summer (wildfire season)
Outdoor recreation: World-class - hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, mountain biking. Five wilderness areas nearby.
Culture: University town vibe, arts scene, theater, concerts, festivals, breweries, excellent food scene
Education: University of Montana (strong GI Bill support, 800+ student veterans)
Progressive community: Liberal politics (unusual for Montana)

Pros:

Exceptional outdoor recreation (one of best in nation)
University town culture and amenities
Strong veteran support at UM
VA clinic and Vet Center
Educated, engaged community
No sales tax
Direct flights to major hubs

Cons:

High housing costs (for Montana)
Wildfire smoke in late summer
Limited job market outside university/government/healthcare
Progressive politics may not suit all veterans
No military base nearby

Bottom line: Missoula is ideal for veterans using GI Bill at University of Montana or those prioritizing outdoor recreation and college town culture over affordability. Exceptional quality of life if you can afford housing.

4. Helena - "Last Chance Gulch"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #4: Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, state capital (government jobs), affordable, central location.

Veteran Population

Lewis and Clark County veterans: 4,500+
Strong veteran community due to Fort Harrison VA

Housing Market

Median home price: $425,000
Moderately expensive but lower than Bozeman/Kalispell
Property tax rate: ~0.75%

Cost of Living

Overall index: 98.7 (1.3% below national average)
Housing: Near national average
No sales tax

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Montana state government (largest employer - veteran hiring preference)
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
St. Peter's Health
Carroll College
Federal agencies

State government: Excellent for veterans due to hiring preference

VA Healthcare Access

Fort Harrison VA Medical Center: 3687 Veterans Drive, Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Phone: (406) 442-6410
Services: Full-service hospital including emergency department, surgery, PTSD residential program

Only VA medical center in Montana - best VA healthcare access

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold winters, mild summers, dry
Outdoor recreation: Helena National Forest, Gates of the Mountains, Canyon Ferry Lake, hiking, skiing
Culture: Historic downtown, museums, state capitol tours, small-city charm
Education: Carroll College (small Catholic liberal arts)
Central location: Easy drives to Glacier, Yellowstone, Missoula, Bozeman

Pros:

Only VA medical center in Montana
State government jobs (veteran preference)
Central Montana location
Affordable relative to Bozeman/Kalispell
Historic charm
No sales tax

Cons:

Small city (32,000 population)
Limited private-sector jobs
Cold winters
Limited cultural amenities
Small airport (limited flights)

Bottom line: Helena is best for veterans needing regular VA medical care or seeking state government employment. The Fort Harrison VA is a major asset.

5. Kalispell/Whitefish - "Gateway to Glacier"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #5: Spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, strong economy, state veterans home - but expensive.

Veteran Population

Flathead County veterans: 8,500+
Second-highest veteran count in Montana

Housing Market

Median home price (Kalispell): $520,000
Median home price (Whitefish): $750,000+
Expensive but incredible quality of life
Property tax rate: ~0.72%

Cost of Living

Overall index: 108.3 (8.3% above national average)
Housing: 30% above national average
No sales tax helps offset

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Kalispell Regional Medical Center (2,000+ employees)
Glacier National Park (seasonal and year-round)
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Tourism/hospitality
Construction

Remote work: Many residents work remotely

VA Healthcare Access

Kalispell VA Clinic: 31 Three Mile Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-3385
Montana Veterans' Home - Columbia Falls: 200 Montana Veterans' Home Drive (130-bed state facility)

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (185 miles) - long drive

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold, snowy winters (skiing paradise), mild summers
Outdoor recreation: Glacier National Park (30 miles), Flathead Lake, world-class skiing (Whitefish Mountain Resort), hiking, fishing, hunting
Culture: Resort town amenities (Whitefish), breweries, restaurants, festivals
Tourism-driven economy: Vibrant in summer, quieter in off-season
Stunning beauty: Among most scenic locations in America

Pros:

Glacier National Park proximity
Exceptional outdoor recreation
State veterans home (long-term care planning)
Strong economy (tourism)
Beautiful scenery
No sales tax
Whitefish resort town amenities

Cons:

Very expensive housing
Limited VA access (clinic only, far from medical center)
Tourist-heavy (crowded in summer)
Limited year-round jobs
Harsh winters

Bottom line: Kalispell/Whitefish is for veterans who can afford higher housing costs and prioritize outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty. Exceptional quality of life but expensive.

6. Bozeman - "Most Livable Place"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: Montana State University, booming economy, outdoor recreation - but very expensive.

Veteran Population

Gallatin County veterans: 7,000+
MSU student veterans: 600+

Housing Market

Median home price: $659,000
Most expensive in Montana
Property tax rate: ~0.75%

Example tax:

Home value: $659,000
Annual property tax: ~$4,900
With veteran reduction: ~$4,660

Cost of Living

Overall index: 115.4 (15.4% above national average)
Housing: 45% above national average
Highest cost of living in Montana

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Montana State University (4,000+ employees)
Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital
Oracle (tech)
Clearwater Analytics (tech)
Simms Fishing Products
Tourism/outdoor recreation industry

Industries: Education, technology, healthcare, outdoor recreation

Tech hub: Growing tech sector attracts remote workers and startups

VA Healthcare Access

Bozeman VA Clinic: 300 North Willson Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-8095

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (90 miles) - manageable

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold winters, mild summers
Outdoor recreation: World-class skiing (Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort 45 miles), hiking, fishing, Yellowstone National Park (90 miles)
Culture: University town, vibrant downtown, excellent restaurants, breweries, festivals, arts
Education: Montana State University (strong veteran support)
Booming economy: Fastest-growing Montana city

Pros:

Exceptional outdoor recreation
Booming economy (jobs)
University town culture
MSU (strong GI Bill support)
Young, educated community
Close to Yellowstone
No sales tax

Cons:

Most expensive housing in Montana
High cost of living overall
Rapid growth (traffic, crowding)
Housing market extremely competitive
Long distance to VA medical center

Bottom line: Bozeman is for veterans who can afford steep housing costs and want college town culture with world-class outdoor recreation. Exceptional quality of life but accessibility is limited by price.

7. Butte - "Mining City"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #7: Most affordable Montana city, Montana Tech (GI Bill), rich history - but economic challenges.

Housing Market

Median home price: $245,000
Cheapest metro in Montana

Cost of Living

Overall index: 88.5 (11.5% below national average)
Housing: 25% below national average
Most affordable Montana city

Employment

Montana Tech (strong engineering school)
Mining (limited)
Healthcare
Some federal agencies

VA Healthcare

Closest VA: Fort Harrison VA (60 miles) - very manageable

Quality of Life

Rich mining history
Outdoor recreation nearby
Montana Tech (200+ student veterans)
Economic challenges (post-mining decline)

Pros:

Most affordable Montana housing
Montana Tech (excellent for engineering students using GI Bill)
Close to Fort Harrison VA
Historic charm
No sales tax

Cons:

Limited job market
Economic challenges
Aging infrastructure
Environmental legacy issues (Superfund site)

Bottom line: Butte is best for veterans using GI Bill at Montana Tech (engineering) or those on fixed income prioritizing affordability. Close VA access is a bonus.

8. Havre - "Fort Assinniboine"

Overall Grade: C+

Why it ranks #8: Very affordable, MSU-Northern (GI Bill), rural charm - but very small.

Housing Market

Median home price: $225,000
Very affordable

Employment

Montana State University - Northern (150+ student veterans)
Agriculture
Railroad (BNSF)

VA Healthcare

Closest VA: Great Falls VA Clinic (110 miles)

Pros:

Very affordable
MSU-Northern (GI Bill)
Rural lifestyle

Cons:

Very small (10,000 population)
Limited jobs
Limited VA access
Harsh winters
Few amenities

Bottom line: Only for veterans wanting very rural, affordable Montana lifestyle or attending MSU-Northern.

9. Miles City - "Cowboy Capital"

Overall Grade: C+

Eastern Montana ranching hub with VA clinic.

Housing

Median home price: $220,000
Very affordable

VA Healthcare

Miles City VA Clinic: 210 South Winchester Avenue

Pros: Affordable, VA clinic, ranching culture Cons: Small, limited jobs, remote

10. Lewistown - "Geographic Center of Montana"

Overall Grade: C

Central Montana small town - very affordable but very limited resources.

Housing

Median home price: $215,000

Pros: Affordable, scenic, rural Cons: Very small (6,000 population), no VA clinic, limited everything

Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (before reduction)	Net with $240 Reduction (100% disabled)
Bozeman	$659,000	$4,900	$4,660
Whitefish	$750,000+	$5,600+	$5,360+
Kalispell	$520,000	$3,800	$3,560
Missoula	$475,000	$3,500	$3,260
Helena	$425,000	$3,200	$2,960
Billings	$378,000	$2,800	$2,560
Great Falls	$275,000	$2,000	$1,760
Butte	$245,000	$1,800	$1,560
Havre	$225,000	$1,650	$1,410
Miles City	$220,000	$1,600	$1,360
Lewistown	$215,000	$1,575	$1,335

State median: $445,000 (2025)

Affordability Analysis

Most affordable:

Butte
Havre
Miles City

Best value (price vs. amenities/jobs):

Billings
Great Falls
Helena

Least affordable (but highest quality of life):

Bozeman
Whitefish
Kalispell

Cost of Living Breakdown by City

Billings

Housing: 100 (at national average)
Groceries: 105
Healthcare: 95
Utilities: 92
Transportation: 95
Overall: 95.2

Great Falls

Housing: 88 (12% below national)
Groceries: 102
Healthcare: 92
Utilities: 90
Transportation: 92
Overall: 92.8

Missoula

Housing: 115 (15% above national)
Groceries: 103
Healthcare: 98
Utilities: 95
Transportation: 100
Overall: 102.5

Bozeman

Housing: 145 (45% above national)
Groceries: 110
Healthcare: 105
Utilities: 100
Transportation: 105
Overall: 115.4

Butte

Housing: 75 (25% below national)
Groceries: 95
Healthcare: 88
Utilities: 85
Transportation: 85
Overall: 88.5

Montana state average: 101.2 (1.2% above US average, but no sales tax offsets this)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Montana Climate

Winters: Very cold (-10°F to 30°F), heavy snow in mountains
Summers: Mild to warm (75-90°F), low humidity
Spring/Fall: Beautiful but variable

By Region

Eastern Montana (Billings, Miles City)

Warmer winters, less snow
Windy
Semi-arid (300+ sunny days)

Central Montana (Great Falls, Helena)

Cold winters, moderate snow
Very windy (especially Great Falls)
Continental climate

Western Montana (Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman)

Colder winters, heavy snow (especially Kalispell/Bozeman)
Mountain climate
Wildfire smoke in late summer (Missoula)

Veteran Health Considerations

Cold winters: Montana winters can be harsh. Consider mobility and cold-weather health impacts.

Altitude: Most Montana cities are 3,000-5,000 feet elevation. Can affect cardiovascular conditions.

Wildfire smoke: Late summer smoke (especially western Montana) can affect respiratory conditions.

Outdoor lifestyle: Montana's outdoor culture can be therapeutic for mental health.

Veteran Community Strength

Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration

Cascade County (Great Falls): 13% of adults
Flathead County (Kalispell): 11.2%
Yellowstone County (Billings): 9.5%
Gallatin County (Bozeman): 9.1%

Veteran Organizations

American Legion: 100+ posts statewide
VFW: 90+ posts
DAV: Chapters in major cities
Strong veteran community throughout Montana

Quality of Life Factors

Recreation

Best outdoor recreation: Missoula, Kalispell/Whitefish, Bozeman (world-class) Best fishing: Missoula (Clark Fork), Billings (Yellowstone River area) Best skiing: Whitefish, Bozeman (Big Sky), Missoula (Snowbowl) Best hunting: Statewide (Montana is hunter's paradise)

Culture

Best food scenes: Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish Best university towns: Missoula (UM), Bozeman (MSU) Best arts/culture: Missoula, Bozeman

Healthcare

Best overall healthcare: Billings (Billings Clinic nationally ranked) Best VA access: Helena (Fort Harrison VA Medical Center)

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose Billings if:

You want affordability + amenities
VA clinic access is important
You prioritize job opportunities
You want sunshine (300+ days/year)
You can manage 3+ hour drive to VA medical center

Choose Great Falls if:

You want military community (Malmstrom AFB)
You seek federal/contractor jobs
Affordability is top priority
You want close VA medical center access (90 miles to Helena)

Choose Missoula if:

You're using GI Bill at University of Montana
Outdoor recreation is your priority
You value university town culture
You can afford higher housing costs

Choose Helena if:

VA medical center access is critical
You seek state government employment
You want central Montana location
You can handle small-city living

Choose Kalispell/Whitefish if:

Glacier National Park proximity is worth premium cost
You prioritize natural beauty
You can afford very high housing costs
You want resort town amenities

Choose Bozeman if:

You're using GI Bill at Montana State
You work in tech or can work remotely
Money is not an issue
You want best outdoor recreation + college town culture

Choose Butte/Havre/Miles City if:

Affordability is everything
You're on fixed income
You want rural Montana lifestyle
You're attending Montana Tech (Butte) or MSU-Northern (Havre)

Key Takeaways

Billings leads for value - Affordability + amenities + VA clinic + jobs
Great Falls leads for military community - Malmstrom AFB, most affordable
Helena leads for VA access - Only VA medical center in Montana
Western Montana leads for beauty - But pay premium prices
Starting 2026: 50% military retirement income exempt from state tax
No sales tax saves $800-$1,500 annually statewide

Montana offers exceptional quality of life for veterans willing to embrace cold winters and outdoor lifestyle. Housing costs have risen significantly but remain lower than West Coast. The state's natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong veteran community make it worth considering.

The best city depends on your priorities: affordability (Billings/Great Falls), healthcare (Helena), education (Missoula/Bozeman), or outdoor lifestyle (Kalispell/Whitefish/Bozeman).

Additional Resources

Montana Department of Military Affairs - Veterans Services: (406) 324-3742 | montanaveterans.mt.gov
Housing market data: Zillow.com/MT, Redfin.com/state/Montana
Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
Job search: montanaworks.gov
VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations

Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and market conditions change frequently - verify current prices before making decisions. Montana housing market has experienced significant appreciation in recent years.

Montana Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life

But where should you actually live? Montana's cities vary dramatically in housing costs, job opportunities, access to VA healthcare, and lifestyle.

This guide ranks Montana's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran populations, and quality of life factors.

Bottom Line Up Front

Median home price range: $245,000 (Butte) to $659,000 (Bozeman) State average: $445,000 (2025)

Important note: Montana has experienced significant housing appreciation. Prices are higher than Midwest/South but lower than West Coast.

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Montana

1. Billings - "Magic City"

Overall Grade: A

Why it's #1: Billings offers the best combination of affordability (for Montana), job opportunities, VA clinic access, and big-city amenities.

Veteran Population

Yellowstone County veterans: 10,000+ (highest in Montana)
Concentration: 9.5% of adult population
Strong veteran community

Housing Market

Median home price: $378,000
Most affordable major metro in Montana
Property tax with $240 reduction: Reduced by $240 annually for 100% disabled veterans
Property tax rate: ~0.74% of market value

Example tax:

Home value: $378,000
Annual property tax: ~$2,800
With veteran reduction: ~$2,560

Cost of Living

Overall index: 95.2 (4.8% below national average)
Housing: At national average (much lower than other Montana metros)
Groceries: 5% above national average
Healthcare: Below national average
No sales tax: Saves $800-$1,500 annually vs. sales tax states

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Billings Clinic (largest employer, 5,000+ employees)
St. Vincent Healthcare
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Montana State University - Billings
MetraPark
ConocoPhillips
CHS Inc. (agriculture)
First Interstate Bank

Industries: Healthcare, energy, agriculture, education, finance

Average salary: $52,000

Veteran-friendly employers: Billings Clinic and St. Vincent actively recruit veterans for healthcare roles

VA Healthcare Access

Billings VA Clinic: 1766 Majestic Lane, Billings, MT 59102
Phone: (406) 651-3430
Services: Primary care, mental health, audiology, telehealth
Billings Vet Center: 2795 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 1

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (230 miles west in Helena) - manageable distance

Best VA clinic access in Montana (largest CBOC)

Quality of Life

Climate: Semi-arid, 300+ sunny days/year, mild winters (avg 30°F), warm summers (avg 85°F)
Outdoor recreation: Rimrocks hiking, Yellowstone River (blue-ribbon trout fishing 10 miles south), 60 miles to Beartooth Mountains
Culture: Montana's largest city, museums, ZooMontana, MetraPark events, minor league baseball (Mustangs)
Food: Growing restaurant scene, breweries
Education: MSU-Billings, Rocky Mountain College, excellent public schools
Airport: Billings Logan International (best air service in Montana)

Pros:

Most affordable major Montana city
Best VA clinic in state
Strong job market
Big-city amenities with Montana feel
Excellent air travel connections
300+ days of sunshine
Reasonable drive to Yellowstone (115 miles)

Cons:

No VA medical center (must travel to Helena for complex care)
Less dramatic mountain scenery than western Montana
Wind can be strong
Energy economy can fluctuate

2. Great Falls - "Electric City"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #2: Active military base (Malmstrom AFB), affordable housing, strong veteran community, VA clinic.

Veteran Population

Cascade County veterans: 6,000+
Military connection: Malmstrom Air Force Base (3,500+ active duty, 1,000+ civilians)
Highest veteran concentration in Montana metros (13% of adults)

Housing Market

Median home price: $275,000
Most affordable metro in Montana
Property tax rate: ~0.73%

Example tax:

Home value: $275,000
Annual property tax: ~$2,000
With veteran reduction: ~$1,760

Cost of Living

Overall index: 92.8 (7.2% below national average)
Housing: 12% below national average
One of most affordable metros in Montana
No sales tax

Employment Opportunities

Malmstrom Air Force Base:

341st Missile Wing (ICBM)
Civilian jobs: Engineering, IT, security, administration
Defense contractors: Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SAIC

Other major employers:

Benefis Health System (largest employer in north-central Montana, 2,500+ employees)
Great Falls Public Schools
Montana Air National Guard (120th Airlift Wing)
Cascade County government

Federal employment: High concentration due to Malmstrom AFB

VA Healthcare Access

Great Falls VA Clinic: 1417 9th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: (406) 452-1975
Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (90 miles south in Helena) - very manageable

Malmstrom AFB medical facilities also available for active duty and retirees with TRICARE

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold winters (avg 25°F), warm summers (avg 82°F), windy
Outdoor recreation: Missouri River (blue-ribbon fishing), Giant Springs State Park, Lewis & Clark Trail, Bob Marshall Wilderness nearby
Culture: C.M. Russell Museum (Western art), historic downtown, minor league baseball
Military community: Strong support network through Malmstrom
Education: University of Providence, Great Falls College MSU

Pros:

Most affordable major Montana city
Active military base (familiar culture, commissary, exchanges)
Strong veteran community
VA clinic and close to Fort Harrison VA
Federal/contractor employment
No sales tax

Cons:

Cold, windy winters
Economy depends heavily on Malmstrom AFB
Smaller city with fewer amenities than Billings
Limited cultural/entertainment options

Bottom line: Great Falls is perfect for veterans wanting to stay connected to military community via Malmstrom AFB or seeking federal/contractor employment. Most affordable Montana metro.

3. Missoula - "Garden City"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #3: University town, outdoor recreation mecca, VA clinic, excellent quality of life.

Veteran Population

Missoula County veterans: 6,500+
University of Montana student veterans: 800+
Strong veteran community due to university programs

Housing Market

Median home price: $475,000
Above state average but lower than Bozeman/Kalispell
Property tax rate: ~0.74%

Example tax:

Home value: $475,000
Annual property tax: ~$3,500
With veteran reduction: ~$3,260

Cost of Living

Overall index: 102.5 (2.5% above national average)
Housing: 15% above national average
Otherwise reasonable for mountain West college town
No sales tax

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

University of Montana (largest employer, 3,500+ employees)
St. Patrick Hospital/Providence
Missoula County Public Schools
City of Missoula
Federal agencies (Forest Service, BLM, Fish & Wildlife)

Industries: Education, healthcare, federal land management, outdoor recreation, technology

Tech sector: OnX Maps (outdoor GPS app), other startups

Remote work: Many residents work remotely for out-of-state companies

VA Healthcare Access

Missoula VA Clinic: 2687 Palmer Street, Suite C, Missoula, MT 59808
Phone: (406) 542-8250
Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
Missoula Vet Center: 910 Brooks Street

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (115 miles east) - manageable distance

Quality of Life

Climate: Four seasons, cold winters (avg 25°F), warm summers (avg 85°F), smoky in late summer (wildfire season)
Outdoor recreation: World-class - hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, mountain biking. Five wilderness areas nearby.
Culture: University town vibe, arts scene, theater, concerts, festivals, breweries, excellent food scene
Education: University of Montana (strong GI Bill support, 800+ student veterans)
Progressive community: Liberal politics (unusual for Montana)

Pros:

Exceptional outdoor recreation (one of best in nation)
University town culture and amenities
Strong veteran support at UM
VA clinic and Vet Center
Educated, engaged community
No sales tax
Direct flights to major hubs

Cons:

High housing costs (for Montana)
Wildfire smoke in late summer
Limited job market outside university/government/healthcare
Progressive politics may not suit all veterans
No military base nearby

4. Helena - "Last Chance Gulch"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #4: Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, state capital (government jobs), affordable, central location.

Veteran Population

Lewis and Clark County veterans: 4,500+
Strong veteran community due to Fort Harrison VA

Housing Market

Median home price: $425,000
Moderately expensive but lower than Bozeman/Kalispell
Property tax rate: ~0.75%

Cost of Living

Overall index: 98.7 (1.3% below national average)
Housing: Near national average
No sales tax

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Montana state government (largest employer - veteran hiring preference)
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
St. Peter's Health
Carroll College
Federal agencies

State government: Excellent for veterans due to hiring preference

VA Healthcare Access

Fort Harrison VA Medical Center: 3687 Veterans Drive, Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Phone: (406) 442-6410
Services: Full-service hospital including emergency department, surgery, PTSD residential program

Only VA medical center in Montana - best VA healthcare access

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold winters, mild summers, dry
Outdoor recreation: Helena National Forest, Gates of the Mountains, Canyon Ferry Lake, hiking, skiing
Culture: Historic downtown, museums, state capitol tours, small-city charm
Education: Carroll College (small Catholic liberal arts)
Central location: Easy drives to Glacier, Yellowstone, Missoula, Bozeman

Pros:

Only VA medical center in Montana
State government jobs (veteran preference)
Central Montana location
Affordable relative to Bozeman/Kalispell
Historic charm
No sales tax

Cons:

Small city (32,000 population)
Limited private-sector jobs
Cold winters
Limited cultural amenities
Small airport (limited flights)

Bottom line: Helena is best for veterans needing regular VA medical care or seeking state government employment. The Fort Harrison VA is a major asset.

5. Kalispell/Whitefish - "Gateway to Glacier"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #5: Spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, strong economy, state veterans home - but expensive.

Veteran Population

Flathead County veterans: 8,500+
Second-highest veteran count in Montana

Housing Market

Median home price (Kalispell): $520,000
Median home price (Whitefish): $750,000+
Expensive but incredible quality of life
Property tax rate: ~0.72%

Cost of Living

Overall index: 108.3 (8.3% above national average)
Housing: 30% above national average
No sales tax helps offset

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Kalispell Regional Medical Center (2,000+ employees)
Glacier National Park (seasonal and year-round)
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Tourism/hospitality
Construction

Remote work: Many residents work remotely

VA Healthcare Access

Kalispell VA Clinic: 31 Three Mile Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-3385
Montana Veterans' Home - Columbia Falls: 200 Montana Veterans' Home Drive (130-bed state facility)

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (185 miles) - long drive

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold, snowy winters (skiing paradise), mild summers
Outdoor recreation: Glacier National Park (30 miles), Flathead Lake, world-class skiing (Whitefish Mountain Resort), hiking, fishing, hunting
Culture: Resort town amenities (Whitefish), breweries, restaurants, festivals
Tourism-driven economy: Vibrant in summer, quieter in off-season
Stunning beauty: Among most scenic locations in America

Pros:

Glacier National Park proximity
Exceptional outdoor recreation
State veterans home (long-term care planning)
Strong economy (tourism)
Beautiful scenery
No sales tax
Whitefish resort town amenities

Cons:

Very expensive housing
Limited VA access (clinic only, far from medical center)
Tourist-heavy (crowded in summer)
Limited year-round jobs
Harsh winters

Bottom line: Kalispell/Whitefish is for veterans who can afford higher housing costs and prioritize outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty. Exceptional quality of life but expensive.

6. Bozeman - "Most Livable Place"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: Montana State University, booming economy, outdoor recreation - but very expensive.

Veteran Population

Gallatin County veterans: 7,000+
MSU student veterans: 600+

Housing Market

Median home price: $659,000
Most expensive in Montana
Property tax rate: ~0.75%

Example tax:

Home value: $659,000
Annual property tax: ~$4,900
With veteran reduction: ~$4,660

Cost of Living

Overall index: 115.4 (15.4% above national average)
Housing: 45% above national average
Highest cost of living in Montana

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

Montana State University (4,000+ employees)
Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital
Oracle (tech)
Clearwater Analytics (tech)
Simms Fishing Products
Tourism/outdoor recreation industry

Industries: Education, technology, healthcare, outdoor recreation

Tech hub: Growing tech sector attracts remote workers and startups

VA Healthcare Access

Bozeman VA Clinic: 300 North Willson Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-8095

For complex care: Fort Harrison VA (90 miles) - manageable

Quality of Life

Climate: Cold winters, mild summers
Outdoor recreation: World-class skiing (Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort 45 miles), hiking, fishing, Yellowstone National Park (90 miles)
Culture: University town, vibrant downtown, excellent restaurants, breweries, festivals, arts
Education: Montana State University (strong veteran support)
Booming economy: Fastest-growing Montana city

Pros:

Exceptional outdoor recreation
Booming economy (jobs)
University town culture
MSU (strong GI Bill support)
Young, educated community
Close to Yellowstone
No sales tax

Cons:

Most expensive housing in Montana
High cost of living overall
Rapid growth (traffic, crowding)
Housing market extremely competitive
Long distance to VA medical center

7. Butte - "Mining City"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #7: Most affordable Montana city, Montana Tech (GI Bill), rich history - but economic challenges.

Housing Market

Median home price: $245,000
Cheapest metro in Montana

Cost of Living

Overall index: 88.5 (11.5% below national average)
Housing: 25% below national average
Most affordable Montana city

Employment

Montana Tech (strong engineering school)
Mining (limited)
Healthcare
Some federal agencies

VA Healthcare

Closest VA: Fort Harrison VA (60 miles) - very manageable

Quality of Life

Rich mining history
Outdoor recreation nearby
Montana Tech (200+ student veterans)
Economic challenges (post-mining decline)

Pros:

Most affordable Montana housing
Montana Tech (excellent for engineering students using GI Bill)
Close to Fort Harrison VA
Historic charm
No sales tax

Cons:

Limited job market
Economic challenges
Aging infrastructure
Environmental legacy issues (Superfund site)

Bottom line: Butte is best for veterans using GI Bill at Montana Tech (engineering) or those on fixed income prioritizing affordability. Close VA access is a bonus.

8. Havre - "Fort Assinniboine"

Overall Grade: C+

Why it ranks #8: Very affordable, MSU-Northern (GI Bill), rural charm - but very small.

Housing Market

Median home price: $225,000
Very affordable

Employment

Montana State University - Northern (150+ student veterans)
Agriculture
Railroad (BNSF)

VA Healthcare

Closest VA: Great Falls VA Clinic (110 miles)

Pros:

Very affordable
MSU-Northern (GI Bill)
Rural lifestyle

Cons:

Very small (10,000 population)
Limited jobs
Limited VA access
Harsh winters
Few amenities

Bottom line: Only for veterans wanting very rural, affordable Montana lifestyle or attending MSU-Northern.

9. Miles City - "Cowboy Capital"

Overall Grade: C+

Eastern Montana ranching hub with VA clinic.

Housing

Median home price: $220,000
Very affordable

VA Healthcare

Miles City VA Clinic: 210 South Winchester Avenue

Pros: Affordable, VA clinic, ranching culture Cons: Small, limited jobs, remote

10. Lewistown - "Geographic Center of Montana"

Overall Grade: C

Central Montana small town - very affordable but very limited resources.

Housing

Median home price: $215,000

Pros: Affordable, scenic, rural Cons: Very small (6,000 population), no VA clinic, limited everything

Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (before reduction)	Net with $240 Reduction (100% disabled)
Bozeman	$659,000	$4,900	$4,660
Whitefish	$750,000+	$5,600+	$5,360+
Kalispell	$520,000	$3,800	$3,560
Missoula	$475,000	$3,500	$3,260
Helena	$425,000	$3,200	$2,960
Billings	$378,000	$2,800	$2,560
Great Falls	$275,000	$2,000	$1,760
Butte	$245,000	$1,800	$1,560
Havre	$225,000	$1,650	$1,410
Miles City	$220,000	$1,600	$1,360
Lewistown	$215,000	$1,575	$1,335

State median: $445,000 (2025)

Affordability Analysis

Most affordable:

Butte
Havre
Miles City

Best value (price vs. amenities/jobs):

Billings
Great Falls
Helena

Least affordable (but highest quality of life):

Bozeman
Whitefish
Kalispell

Cost of Living Breakdown by City

Billings

Housing: 100 (at national average)
Groceries: 105
Healthcare: 95
Utilities: 92
Transportation: 95
Overall: 95.2

Great Falls

Housing: 88 (12% below national)
Groceries: 102
Healthcare: 92
Utilities: 90
Transportation: 92
Overall: 92.8

Missoula

Housing: 115 (15% above national)
Groceries: 103
Healthcare: 98
Utilities: 95
Transportation: 100
Overall: 102.5

Bozeman

Housing: 145 (45% above national)
Groceries: 110
Healthcare: 105
Utilities: 100
Transportation: 105
Overall: 115.4

Butte

Housing: 75 (25% below national)
Groceries: 95
Healthcare: 88
Utilities: 85
Transportation: 85
Overall: 88.5

Montana state average: 101.2 (1.2% above US average, but no sales tax offsets this)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Montana Climate

Winters: Very cold (-10°F to 30°F), heavy snow in mountains
Summers: Mild to warm (75-90°F), low humidity
Spring/Fall: Beautiful but variable

By Region

Eastern Montana (Billings, Miles City)

Warmer winters, less snow
Windy
Semi-arid (300+ sunny days)

Central Montana (Great Falls, Helena)

Cold winters, moderate snow
Very windy (especially Great Falls)
Continental climate

Western Montana (Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman)

Colder winters, heavy snow (especially Kalispell/Bozeman)
Mountain climate
Wildfire smoke in late summer (Missoula)

Veteran Health Considerations

Cold winters: Montana winters can be harsh. Consider mobility and cold-weather health impacts.

Altitude: Most Montana cities are 3,000-5,000 feet elevation. Can affect cardiovascular conditions.

Wildfire smoke: Late summer smoke (especially western Montana) can affect respiratory conditions.

Outdoor lifestyle: Montana's outdoor culture can be therapeutic for mental health.

Veteran Community Strength

Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration

Cascade County (Great Falls): 13% of adults
Flathead County (Kalispell): 11.2%
Yellowstone County (Billings): 9.5%
Gallatin County (Bozeman): 9.1%

Veteran Organizations

American Legion: 100+ posts statewide
VFW: 90+ posts
DAV: Chapters in major cities
Strong veteran community throughout Montana

Quality of Life Factors

Recreation

Culture

Best food scenes: Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish Best university towns: Missoula (UM), Bozeman (MSU) Best arts/culture: Missoula, Bozeman

Healthcare

Best overall healthcare: Billings (Billings Clinic nationally ranked) Best VA access: Helena (Fort Harrison VA Medical Center)

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose Billings if:

You want affordability + amenities
VA clinic access is important
You prioritize job opportunities
You want sunshine (300+ days/year)
You can manage 3+ hour drive to VA medical center

Choose Great Falls if:

You want military community (Malmstrom AFB)
You seek federal/contractor jobs
Affordability is top priority
You want close VA medical center access (90 miles to Helena)

Choose Missoula if:

You're using GI Bill at University of Montana
Outdoor recreation is your priority
You value university town culture
You can afford higher housing costs

Choose Helena if:

VA medical center access is critical
You seek state government employment
You want central Montana location
You can handle small-city living

Choose Kalispell/Whitefish if:

Glacier National Park proximity is worth premium cost
You prioritize natural beauty
You can afford very high housing costs
You want resort town amenities

Choose Bozeman if:

You're using GI Bill at Montana State
You work in tech or can work remotely
Money is not an issue
You want best outdoor recreation + college town culture

Choose Butte/Havre/Miles City if:

Affordability is everything
You're on fixed income
You want rural Montana lifestyle
You're attending Montana Tech (Butte) or MSU-Northern (Havre)

Key Takeaways

Billings leads for value - Affordability + amenities + VA clinic + jobs
Great Falls leads for military community - Malmstrom AFB, most affordable
Helena leads for VA access - Only VA medical center in Montana
Western Montana leads for beauty - But pay premium prices
Starting 2026: 50% military retirement income exempt from state tax
No sales tax saves $800-$1,500 annually statewide

The best city depends on your priorities: affordability (Billings/Great Falls), healthcare (Helena), education (Missoula/Bozeman), or outdoor lifestyle (Kalispell/Whitefish/Bozeman).

Additional Resources

Montana Department of Military Affairs - Veterans Services: (406) 324-3742 | montanaveterans.mt.gov
Housing market data: Zillow.com/MT, Redfin.com/state/Montana
Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
Job search: montanaworks.gov
VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations