ZC

Cost of Living in Ulm, MT (59485)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$17.04 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$70,896 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$6,851 / mo2.3x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Ulm (59485)

Evaluating relocation options in Cascade? The financial baseline for residing in Ulm, MT (59485) indicates that a single adult needs roughly $2,954 monthly to cover basic survival expenses.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $609 per month—just 21% of baseline expenses—Ulm offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Montana.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Ulm (59485) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,954/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $70,896 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.04/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Ulm increase to $6,851 per month ($82,212/year)—approximately 2.3x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $66,137, local wages provide a 1.87x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $866 monthly in 59485, coupled with $422 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $470 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

Cost Comparison: Ulm (59485) vs. Montana Average

Direct monthly cost comparison for a single adult baseline against the statewide average across all MT counties.

Expense CategoryUlm (59485)MT State AverageDifference
Housing & Rent$609/mo$586/mo+4%
Food & Groceries$269/mo$285/mo-6%
Transportation$866/mo$1,005/mo-14%
Healthcare$422/mo$412/mo+2%
Direct Taxes$470/mo$503/mo-7%
Total Monthly Baseline$2,954/mo$3,107/mo-5%

* Statewide benchmarks are calculated from weighted county-level cost of living data across Montana.

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Total Monthly Cost$2,954Est. $35,443 / year
Housing / Rent$60920.6% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$269Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$66,137Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$609
Food$269
Transportation$866
Healthcare$422
Taxes$470
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Ulm (59485)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Ulm, MT (59485)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Ulm (59485) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.04/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Ulm (59485)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $70,896 to live comfortably in Ulm (59485).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Ulm (59485)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Ulm (59485) are $6,851 per month ($82,212 per year).