Cost of Living in Livingston, Montana

Livingston is a small arts town of roughly 8,040 people in Park County, perched at the mouth of Paradise Valley where the Yellowstone River spills out of the Absaroka Range toward the Great Plains. The North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park sits just 44 miles south via US-89—making Livingston the historic "Gateway to Yellowstone" and a magnet for writers, artists, and remote professionals drawn to its literary legacy and mountain scenery. Despite its small population, Livingston's cost of living punches well above its weight class, driven by second-home demand, vacation-rental pressure, and Bozeman spillover. This guide breaks down housing, income, affordability, and employment data so you know what it actually costs to live here. For a broader overview, see our Livingston guide.

At a Glance

Housing Costs

Housing is the single largest expense for most Livingston residents. The median home value stands at $545K according to Zillow's Home Value Index as of June 2026. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey puts the figure lower at $349K, reflecting the multi-year survey window.

Renters pay a median of $1,339 per month. Home values rank in the 86th percentile among Montana towns, while rents sit at the 76th percentile. For a detailed look at market trends, inventory, and buying conditions, see our Livingston housing market guide.

Income & Affordability

The median household income in Livingston is $65K, placing it at the 50th percentile among Montana towns. The affordability ratio — median home value divided by median household income — is 8.4. For context, the commonly cited national benchmark is around 3.0 to 5.0.

Livingston's 17.3% Professional Services employment—the second-largest sector—is unusually high for a town this size and reflects the concentration of writers, artists, consultants, and remote workers who chose Livingston for its quality of life rather than local employment opportunities. These higher-earning professionals can absorb costs that strain service-industry workers earning tourism wages.

Montana's lack of a state sales tax provides meaningful relief on everyday expenses—groceries, clothing, and household goods all cost less at the register than in states with 6–9% sales taxes. Livingston's elevation of 4,501 feet and location at the mouth of the Yellowstone Valley means cold, windy winters—the city is famously one of the windiest in Montana, funneling air through the valley gap. Heating costs run higher than sheltered towns, and the wind is a genuine quality-of-life factor that newcomers should experience before committing.

Monthly Budget Estimate

While individual budgets vary widely, here's a rough breakdown of monthly costs for a household earning Livingston's median income:

Estimates based on local medians and regional cost indices. Actual costs vary. Utilities reflect Livingston's windy, exposed location at 4,501 ft elevation—expect higher heating bills than sheltered Montana valleys.

Employment & Economic Context

Livingston's economy is anchored by Education & Healthcare, which accounts for 18% of employment. The next largest sectors are Professional Services (17.3%) and Tourism & Hospitality (13.2%).

The unemployment rate is 3.4%, and labor force participation stands at 70.6%. For the full industry breakdown, see our Livingston jobs and economy guide.

How Livingston Compares

Livingston's most natural comparison is Bozeman, just 25 miles west on I-90. Bozeman's affordability ratio of 8.8 makes it pricier, and its median home value runs roughly $125K higher. Many buyers priced out of Bozeman look to Livingston as a more affordable alternative with comparable access to skiing (Bridger Bowl 19 mi, Big Sky 48 mi), fishing (Yellowstone River right in town), and Yellowstone National Park (actually closer from Livingston via Paradise Valley).

What Livingston trades for lower prices is Bozeman's university-town infrastructure, restaurant density, and flight connections. What it gains is a quieter, more artistic character, direct Yellowstone River access through downtown, and a literary and creative community that gives it cultural weight far beyond what its 8,040-person population would suggest. Compared to Helena (affordability ratio 6.6) or Great Falls (3.7), Livingston is significantly more expensive—a premium you pay for the Yellowstone gateway location, Paradise Valley views, and the town's singular character.

Key Takeaways

• Housing is expensive for a small town—an affordability ratio of 8.4 reflects second-home demand, vacation rentals, and Bozeman spillover more than local wages.
• Rents are exceptionally high (/mo`: '\u2014'}, percentile`: 'top 10%'}) due to vacation-rental competition and a % vacancy rate.
• Professional Services (17.3%) and 70.6% labor force participation reflect a creative, entrepreneurial community of writers, artists, and remote workers.
• Montana's zero state sales tax offsets daily costs, but Livingston's windy, exposed location at 4,501 ft means higher heating bills than sheltered valleys.
• Cheaper than Bozeman (25 mi) with comparable recreation access, but still pricey—newcomers should weigh the wind, the tiny market (55 listings), and the seasonal tourism intensity.