Cost of Living Diaries: Great Falls, Montana

Matt Ehnes of Jared’s Detours

Four distinct seasons, stunning natural landscapes and a warm community feel are just a few reasons to fall in love with Great Falls, Montana. But the strong economy seals the deal — especially among young families and professionals. The U.S. News & World Report ranks Montana No. 12 among states with the lowest cost of living and No. 9 among states with the strongest economies.

When creative projects and brand manager Enya Spicer first landed in Big Sky country, she immediately felt a sense of home. She shares what she most enjoys about living here, including why the cost of living in Great Falls has been a major perk.

What brought you to Great Falls and how long have you lived here?

I like to say that I moved here by accident because I started with training in broadcast journalism, and then I applied with USA Today and ended up getting a job with the Great Falls Tribune. I’ve been in Montana for six years now, which is pretty wild for me because I like to move around a lot.

What has been your experience with the community?

I love the people I’ve met and the opportunities I’ve gotten here. I cannot thank this community enough for building me into the person I am today and for accepting me. This was the first place that I ever lived alone, and my friends here have taken care of me and been like my family. And being from Georgia, I am very far away from home, so it’s been really nice to have them. 

Is it easy to get around town or visit other nearby places?

The best thing about Great Falls is that it’s centralized. So, if I want to go on a hike, I don’t have to go too far. If I want to go to a different city, I don’t have to go too far. I mean, I can get to Bozeman in less than three hours and the same for Missoula. If you want to have a weekend getaway, it’s super easy to do that.

Matt Ehnes of Jared’s Detours

What is the housing market like in Great Falls?

It is very affordable compared to other places in Montana. A lot of people are moving here. Right now, I pay $1,500 a month for a two-bedroom craftsman home smack dab in the middle of downtown. I am very blessed and thankful to be able to live here comfortably.

What are a few of your favorite places to shop for groceries and what is your average weekly bill?

I like Super 1 Foods. It’s open 24 hours, so that’s extremely convenient, and they have a lot of things that other stores don’t have. My average weekly grocery bill is around $150, but I live with my boyfriend, and we have a dog. We also buy a lot of meat from Central Avenue Meats, a craft butcher shop downtown, for steaks, pork and all that good stuff.

What is the cost of dinner and drinks for two, and what are some of your go-to restaurants or bars?

I am half Thai, so I really love pho and Thai food and go to Pho 10 often. On the weekends, my boyfriend and I do end up getting drinks with our food, so I would say our average bill is in the $40 to $50 range. Also, I might sound biased because my boyfriend and his brother own the shop but, Al Banco is an amazing coffee shop.

Can you recommend any free or low-cost recreation options in Great Falls?

There are so many trails to walk nearby, which is especially awesome because we have a dog. There’s also a new recreation center here and a Planet Fitness, which is a great, low-cost gym. And the businesses in Great Falls are always hosting free or low-cost events on the weekends. I like to paint at Brush Crazy, and the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art also offers art classes.