Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Lewistown and Livingston, Montana. Using Montana's 0.74% property tax rate and $2,100/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Lewistown is significantly more affordable than Livingston, with homes priced 47% lower on average. That translates to $1,403/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Montana, Lewistown offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Montana's 0.74% property tax rate.
Buying in Lewistown saves you approximately $1,403/month ($16,836/year) compared to Livingston, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Lewistown is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $235K versus $445K in Livingston. That's $210K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $8K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Lewistown, compared to $16K in Livingston. Montana offers the MBOH Regular Bond Program program (Up to $15,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Lewistown has the better price-to-rent ratio at 22.3x versus 26.1x in Livingston. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Lewistown is $880/month on a $235K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Livingston (pop. 8,042) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Lewistown (pop. 5,941) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Lewistown, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.