Why Move to Gardiner?
Gardiner is a small town of 791 people in Park County County, sitting at 5,906 feet in elevation. Known as "The North Gate to Yellowstone," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with authentic small-town charm.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Gardiner specifically offers 452 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 12.4x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Gardiner
The typical home value in Gardiner is $716,797. Renters can expect to pay around $795 per month. The median household income is $57,835.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 12.4x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Gardiner Housing Market
There are currently 10 homes for sale in Gardiner. The community has 528 total housing units with a 19.1% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Gardiner profile.
Gardiner Weather & Climate
Gardiner experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 11°F. Expect about 38" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°F | 11°F | 1.7" | 4.8" |
| Feb | 27°F | 9°F | 2.3" | 6.5" |
| Mar | 38°F | 17°F | 1.6" | 4.3" |
| Apr | 44°F | 23°F | 2" | 4.6" |
| May | 55°F | 32°F | 1.9" | 2.8" |
| Jun | 69°F | 40°F | 2.5" | 0.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 49°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 78°F | 48°F | 1.5" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 39°F | 2" | 0.7" |
| Oct | 50°F | 24°F | 2.6" | 3.9" |
| Nov | 37°F | 14°F | 1.7" | 4.2" |
| Dec | 28°F | 11°F | 1.8" | 5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Gardiner
Gardiner has access to 452 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 2 miles away. For skiing, Big Sky Resort is 36 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) (National Park) — 2 miles
- Yellowstone Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 5 miles
- Chico Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 22 miles
- Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) (National Park) — 32 miles
- Lee Metcalf Wilderness (Madison Range) (Wilderness) — 34 miles
- Big Sky Resort (Ski Area) — 36 miles
- Gallatin National Forest (National Forest) — 38 miles
- Lee Metcalf Wilderness (Spanish Peaks) (Wilderness) — 39 miles
Rivers
Gallatin River, Yellowstone River (Livingston), Madison River (Ennis), Boulder River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Rainbow Lake, Aldridge Lake, Little Joe Lake, Cutler Lake, Castle Lake.
Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs (5 mi), Chico Hot Springs (22 mi), Bozeman Hot Springs (44 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 452 recreation sites on the full Gardiner profile.
Jobs & Economy in Gardiner
Gardiner has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 66.6%.
The top industries by employment are Tourism & Hospitality (43.4%), Retail (13.4%), Education & Healthcare (11.6%). Approximately 440 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | 43.4% |
| Retail | 13.4% |
| Education & Healthcare | 11.6% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
Gardiner is served by the Gardiner Public Schools school district with approximately 200 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 94%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $15,500.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Gardiner
The nearest hospital is Big Sky Medical Center in Big Sky, 36.2 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 46 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Gardiner
Gardiner is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 65 miles (80 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 142 miles (157 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 248 miles (263 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 336 miles (351 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 205 miles (220 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Gardiner
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 452+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (94% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Big Sky Resort (36 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Limited shopping and dining options
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gardiner, Montana?
The typical home value is $716,797 and rent averages $795/month. The median household income is $57,835. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Gardiner?
January lows average 11°F with about 38" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Gardiner a good place to live?
Gardiner offers 452 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 12.4x, and four distinct seasons. It's 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Gardiner?
As of early 2026, there were 10 homes for sale in Gardiner. The community has 528 total housing units with a 19.1% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Gardiner?
Gardiner has a 3.7% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 66.6%. About 440 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is tourism & hospitality. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Gardiner?
The Gardiner Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 94%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 200 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $15,500.
What healthcare is available in Gardiner?
The nearest hospital is Big Sky Medical Center in Big Sky (36.2 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman, 46 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Gardiner?
Big Sky Resort is 36 miles from Gardiner. The area receives about 38" of snow annually.