Can You Afford to Buy a Home in Great Falls?
The median home in Great Falls costs $243,300. To afford it at current mortgage rates with 20% down, you need a household income of about $68,614/year. Your monthly payment would be around $1,601, including taxes and insurance.
Based on national median home values adjusted by Great Falls’s Regional Price Parity (96.84). Current 30-year fixed rate: 6.52% (Freddie Mac, as of Jun 11, 2026). Methodology
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Monthly payment breakdown
$243,300 home, 20% down, 6.52% rate, 30-year fixed
Rent vs. buy in Great Falls
Buying costs $317/mo more than renting, but you build equity. Over 5 years at current appreciation rates, homeowners in similar markets have gained significant equity.
What can you afford in Great Falls?
Home price you can afford at each salary level (28% DTI, 20% down)
| Salary | Home you can afford | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | $158K | $1,601 |
| $75K | $273K | $1,601 |
| $100K | $388K | $1,601 |
| $125K | $503K | $1,601 |
| $150K | $618K | $1,601 |
| $200K | $848K | $1,601 |
Based on 28% front-end DTI ratio, 20% down payment, 6.52% 30-year fixed rate, 1.1% property tax, ~$150/mo insurance.
Can common careers afford a home in Great Falls?
Local median salary vs. the $69K needed to buy
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to buy a home in Great Falls?
To comfortably afford the median home ($243,300) in Great Falls with a 20% down payment and current mortgage rates, you need a household income of about $68,614. That keeps your housing costs at or below 28% of your gross income, which is the standard lender guideline.
How much does a house cost in Great Falls?
The median home price in the Great Falls, MT metro area is $243,300, based on the Census ACS 2023 median home value for the metro. Prices vary widely by neighborhood. A 20% down payment would be $48,660, or $12,165 at 5% down.
What would my monthly mortgage be in Great Falls?
On a $243,300 home with 20% down at current rates, your estimated monthly payment would be $1,601 including principal, interest, property tax, and insurance. With only 5% down, add about $96/mo for PMI.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Great Falls?
Median 2-bedroom rent in Great Falls is $1,284/mo (HUD Fair Market Rent). The estimated mortgage payment on the median home is $1,601/mo. Buying costs more per month, but you build equity over time.