Cost of Living in Deer Lodge

Deer Lodge's cost of living runs genuinely favorable on housing even as a real, disclosed wildfire-weather risk pushes homeowners insurance toward the higher end of Montana's statewide range.

Exploring the idea of moving?

We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.

Learn more

Housing runs well below national and state averages

Zillow's $279,503 average home value runs well below both the national ($408,776) and Montana statewide ($467,919) comparison figures this project has documented (base record).

Deer Lodge's own property tax runs above Powell County and Montana statewide

Deer Lodge's 0.79% effective property tax rate is the highest in Powell County (versus the county's own 0.68% median) and above Montana's own 0.74% statewide anchor (base record).

Montana's real 5.65% top income tax rate, no sales tax

Montana's real, current two-bracket income tax (4.7%/5.65%) applies in Deer Lodge as statewide, alongside Montana's genuine NOMAD no-general-sales-tax status (base record).

A real, disclosed wildfire-driven insurance premium

Deer Lodge's own above-50%-annual wildfire-weather risk plausibly places it toward the higher end of Montana's $2,448-$4,814/year statewide homeowners-insurance range (base record).

Key takeaways

Want to know what your budget actually buys here?

Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.

Get local guidance

Read the full Deer Lodge overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.

Planning a move?

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.

Talk to a local expert
Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.