The cost of living in Montana has been a big topic for a few years now. It seems like everything is more expensive. There is some good news when it comes to prices. For example, gas prices in Montana have been consistently  going down over the past few months.

Read More: Montana Gas Prices Continue to Drop: Latest Data and Trends 

Grocery prices have also been a topic of discussion. Compared to our neighbors, Montanans, on average, don't spend as much on groceries. This is according to Visual Capitalist, using U.S. Census date. Montana ranks as one of the lest expensive states for the average cost of groceries coming in at number 46. Montanans spend an average of $246 weekly on groceries. Idaho, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota all pay higher prices for their groceries.

The most expensive states for groceries may not come as a surprise to most people. The most expensive groceries are found in Hawaii, followed by Alaska at the top of the list; both states spend, on average, over $300 weekly. The state with the cheapest groceries is Wisconsin, with residents paying an average of $221 weekly.

Grocery Bills by State
Credit: Visual Capitalist
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This Thanksgiving, most of the nation will see the average cost of a turkey down 12% nationwide. For Montana, we may not have such good news. According to Financebuzz.com, the price of a turkey in Montana is actually going to be higher than the national average. The national average for a turkey this year is $31.16 for a 15 lb. turkey, which is an average of $2.08 per pound. Montana is the 5th most expensive state to buy a turkey this year, with the average price being $36.85, almost $5 more per bird than the national average.

As the holiday season approaches, Montanans may find some relief in lower gas prices and relatively affordable grocery costs compared to many other states. However, with a higher-than-average price tag on turkey this Thanksgiving, budgeting for holiday meals may still be a bit of a challenge for a lot of us. The cost of living in the state continues to fluctuate, and it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve into the new year.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Montana

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Gallery Credit: KC

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