Cheapest Montana Towns: Where to Buy Property on a Budget

When you think of Montana, you might picture mountain views, wide-open spaces, and high prices—but not all parts of the state cost a fortune. The cheapest Montana towns, small communities with low property taxes, affordable homes, and minimal competition from investors. Also known as affordable Montana towns, these places let you own land or a home without needing six figures in savings. You don’t need to live in Bozeman or Missoula to enjoy Montana’s beauty. In fact, some of the best deals are in towns most people haven’t heard of.

Many of these low-cost areas are in Eastern Montana, where land is plentiful and demand is low. Places like Harlowton, Glendive, and Sidney offer homes under $100,000, sometimes even under $50,000. Property taxes there are often under $1,000 a year, and you can buy a 3-bedroom house on a full acre for less than what a studio apartment costs in major cities. These towns aren’t tourist hotspots, which means fewer buyers, slower price growth, and more room to negotiate. They’re perfect for remote workers, retirees, or anyone who wants space without the stress.

It’s not just about the price tag. In these towns, you get freedom—no HOA fees, no strict zoning, no neighbors right on top of you. You can build a shed, raise chickens, or turn a garage into a home office without asking permission. The trade-off? Fewer restaurants, longer drives to the nearest grocery, and slower internet in some spots. But if you value quiet, privacy, and control over your land, those aren’t drawbacks—they’re features.

Some buyers use these towns as investment footholds. Buy a small home, rent it out to seasonal workers or remote employees, and let it pay for itself. Others use them as weekend escapes or retirement bases, buying low now and waiting for value to rise. Either way, the Montana housing market, a mix of rural affordability and growing interest from out-of-state buyers. Also known as rural real estate Montana, it’s changing—but slowly enough that smart buyers still have time to act. You won’t find luxury condos here, but you will find honest value.

Below, you’ll find real posts that break down what it actually costs to buy in these towns, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to look for when you’re shopping on a budget. Whether you’re curious about land prices, property taxes, or how to find a deal that won’t vanish in a week, the articles ahead give you the facts—not the fluff.