Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 67)
Malmstrom Air Force Base dominates Great Falls' economy, employing roughly 3,000 military and civilian staff directly and supporting countless contractors. Hydroelectric power generation from five Missouri River dams remains significant but declining as an employer. Tourism brings $185 million annually—one million overnight visitors—fueling hospitality, retail, and museum work. The job market is stable but narrow; outside defense and tourism, opportunities thin quickly. Remote work is common among expats here precisely because local wages lag national averages.
Rent runs $1,200/month for a one-bedroom downtown, reasonable by US standards but high for Montana. Healthcare is adequate; Benefis Health System operates the main hospital. Winter driving is mandatory—expect November through March snow and ice. No public transit exists; a car is non-negotiable. Bureaucracy is standard American red tape. Internet is reliable. The biggest friction: this is a military town with conservative politics and limited cultural diversity, which matters if you're seeking progressive urban energy.
Winters are brutal (−20°F common), summers mild and dry. Outdoor recreation dominates weekends: hiking the Rocky Mountain Front, fishing the Missouri, mountain biking. The food scene is meat-and-potatoes; ethnic restaurants are sparse. The expat community is tiny—mostly military families and remote workers. Museums and Western art history attract some cultural tourism. Great Falls suits remote workers seeking low cost-of-living, outdoor access, and small-town stability; it's a poor fit for anyone needing urban amenities, nightlife, or cultural diversity.
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Great Falls, MT at the budget tier comes to about $1,654 a month for one adult, with $1,117 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $175 on groceries, $46.00 on dining out, $46.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $240 on utilities and connectivity and $30.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,117/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$175/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$46.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$46.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$240/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$30.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Great Falls, MT at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,872 a month for one adult, with $1,117 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $233 on groceries, $115 on dining out, $137 on entertainment and lifestyle, $240 on utilities and connectivity and $30.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,117/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$233/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$115/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$137/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$240/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$30.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Great Falls, MT at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,397 a month for one adult, with $1,425 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $326 on groceries, $182 on dining out, $194 on entertainment and lifestyle, $240 on utilities and connectivity and $30.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,425/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$326/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$182/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$194/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$240/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$30.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1425/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Great Falls, MT's cost of living compares with Nome, AK
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Great Falls is a genuinely safe mid-sized Montana city with a strong community feel. Daytime walking is unremarkable and safe; evening walks in downtown and residential areas are generally secure, though like most small cities, isolated areas after dark warrant normal caution. The city's safety index of 70 reflects its low violent crime rate and tight-knit character—this isn't a place where expats need to adopt defensive postures.
Property crime (vehicle break-ins, petty theft) occurs at typical small-city rates, particularly in less-monitored parking areas. Violent crime is rare. Avoid the few blocks immediately around certain bars late at night, and use standard precautions with valuables. Solo female travelers and residents report feeling comfortable; the main concern is opportunistic theft rather than predatory crime. Meth-related activity exists but is not visibly pervasive in daily life.
Great Falls has stable local governance, reliable police response, and no significant political instability or corruption concerns. It's a straightforward American city with predictable law enforcement. For Americans 30-65 considering relocation, this is a low-risk choice—safety won't be a barrier to moving here. The trade-off is limited urban amenities and a quieter pace, not security concerns.
See how Great Falls, MT's healthcare compares with Nome, AK
Great Falls, MT experiences a semi-arid climate with significant temperature variations between hot summers and very cold winters, influenced by its location near the Rocky Mountains.
A city for nature lovers with nearby mountains and rivers.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus - Great Falls | Located on 14th Street, this Regus offers a professional environment with private offices and coworking spaces. It's a reliable option for those seeking a standard office experience with good amenities. |
| Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art | While not strictly a coworking space, the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art offers a unique and inspiring environment for remote work. It has a community room that can be used for meetings and work. It is located in the historic district. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Great Falls, MT's digital nomad life compares with Nome, AK
Home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, it offers a traditional Montana lifestyle with great Missouri River access.
Areas of Great Falls, MT that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic core, urban amenities
Downtown offers a mix of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. It's becoming more walkable and bike-friendly, but can be noisy at times. Many apartments are being renovated, attracting a younger crowd alongside long-term residents. Good for those who want to be in the heart of the city.
Quiet residential, family-friendly
Gibson Flats is a primarily residential area with a mix of single-family homes and some apartments. It's known for its parks and schools, making it popular with families. While not particularly walkable, it offers a peaceful environment and easy access to amenities by car. Not many expats live here.
Established, diverse, affordable housing
The West Side is one of the older parts of Great Falls, with a mix of housing types and residents. It's generally more affordable than other areas, but some parts can be less well-maintained. While it lacks some of the amenities of downtown, it offers a more authentic, local experience. Car dependent.
Newer suburban, family oriented
Sun Prairie is a newer development on the outskirts of Great Falls, characterized by modern homes and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's primarily residential, with limited walkability and a reliance on cars. It's a good option for those seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle, but not ideal for those wanting to be close to the city center. Few rental options.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1425/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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