Moving to Montana: A Relocation Guide
Thinking about moving to Montana? Here's a practical starting point for newcomers.
Key facts
- Capital: Helena
- Largest city: Billings
- Population: 1,084,225 (2020 census)
- Nickname: The Treasure State
- Region: Northwest
What should you consider before moving to Montana?
- Where to live: Major cities include Billings and the state capital Helena. See our Montana state guide and city guides for details.
- Cost of living: Compare housing, utilities and taxes carefully — costs vary significantly across the state.
- Lifestyle: Montana's northwest location shapes daily life, from climate to recreation. Explore the top things to do to get a feel for the state.
- Jobs & schools: Research local employers and school districts in your target city before committing.
City guides: Helena, Billings, Missoula, Bozeman.
Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in Montana?
The largest city in Montana is Billings, and the capital is Helena. See the city guides for local detail.
What is the population of Montana?
The 2020 census population of Montana is 1,084,225 (2020 census).
What should I research before moving to Montana?
Compare housing, utilities, taxes, jobs and school districts in your target city. The moving guide above and the Montana state guide are a good starting point — verify current costs with local sources.
Next steps
This guide is a starting point — Red Rock Daily is building detailed, city-level relocation coverage across the country. For now, combine this overview with the Montana state guide and local city pages.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census population figures); official state records. Cost-of-living details should be verified with current local data.