Montana is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Montana?
A typical traveler spends $153 per day on a trip to Montana. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Montana based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $49 on meals
- $65 on local transportation
- $99 on hotels
A one-week trip to Montana for two people costs, on average, $2,142. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,071
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,142
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One Month
Per person
$4,590
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,142
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,284
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One Month
For a couple
$9,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Montana cost?
A one week trip to Montana usually costs around $1,071 for one person and $2,142 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Montana on average costs around $2,142 for one person and $4,284 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Montana will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Montana on average costs around $4,590 for one person and $9,180 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Montana expensive to visit?
In Montana, budget travelers spend $70 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $153 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $316 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Montana.
Montana is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Montana can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Montana is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Montana Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Montana?
The average Montana trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Montana travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Montana cost?
Montana on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$21
|
$49
|
$103
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$28
|
$65
|
$137
|
|
Food2
|
$21
|
$49
|
$108
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$16
|
$38
|
$89
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
|
$6-17
|
$14-41
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Montana is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Montana on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $70 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Montana will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $153 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $316 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Montana
Hotel prices in Montana can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $. Budget accommodations range from $ to $, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Montana for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $99. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $49 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Montana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Montana
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $65 per person, per day, on local transportation in Montana. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Montana is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$65
By plane, some major points of entry are located in the cities of Billings, Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Kalispell-all with international flights available, except for Helena which is regional.
Another popular way to travel is to take Amtrak's Empire Builder, a train which has twelve stops in Montana and also takes passengers west to Seattle and Portland, Oregon and east to Chicago. The Montana stops include Wolf Point, Glasgow, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning (Oct-1 through May 1), East Glacier (May 1 through Oct. 1), Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish, and Libby.
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Montana? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Montana will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Montana
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Montana can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Montana is $49 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$49
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Montana is around $49 ($49) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $108. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Montana are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $34
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Cuisine in Montana ranges from fast-food, cafes, diners, steakhouses, and international options in the cities to a limited hometown meat and potatoes selection in the more rural areas. Known for its cattle raising, the state offers beef that is fresh, most often locally raised, and cooked however you prefer. Some of the local eateries distinct to the area include places like the Staggering Ox and The Pickle Barrel, both serving tasty sandwiches with multiple locations across the state. Other Montana specialties include things like buffalo chili, cowboy beans, Indian fry-bread, and steak. During the summer months, huckleberries and flathead cherries are available at farmer's markets and several pick-your-own locations. Big Sky Country is full of options, and even has a brewing culture with a number of microbreweries in major cities like Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, and Billings.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Montana
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Montana typically cost an average of $38 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38
Glacier National Park rests on the northern border of Montana, exhibiting a magnificent landscape shaped by glacial activity which began millions of years ago. Some of the features of the area include lakes, valleys, and glacier remnants in addition to a thriving population of plant and wildlife. Hiking the trails or driving the scenic roads will likely give you a glimpse into these habitats. The area's fauna includes critters like deer, elk, moose, buffalo, big horn sheep, mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bald eagles, and other birds of prey.
Little Bighorn National Monument is another popular site for visitors interested in the history of the area. The site marks the location of Custer's Last Stand with vast grassy fields and a number of memorials. Even the famous Yellowstone National Park is not too far; mostly located over the border in the state of Wyoming, it is home to wildlife like elk and bison as well as the world's largest collection of geysers. Two of the park's entrances are locating in Montana-North Entrance (Gardiner) and the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City and Silver Gate). And then there is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail which follows the famous expedition route spanning over three thousand miles from Wood River, Illinois, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon.
Montana is a state that has outdoor recreational activities for every season. From skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter to boating, whitewater rafting, camping, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing in the summer-there is plenty to do year-round. Mountain biking is also popular, as is hiking which is great any time of year with plenty of trails mapped out in state and national park areas.
Nightlife Budget in Montana
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $11 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Montana per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 7, 2025
Traveling in Montana
Glacier National Park, Montana
Often called Big Sky Country for its vast blue skies, Montana is a state in the northwestern United States characterized by beautiful sweeping scenery from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the flatter prairie regions of the east. Some of the top attractions include Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Yellowstone, and of course the Rocky Mountains.
Regions
The state of Montana is generally divided into two regions-Eastern and Western Montana, split by the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains. Western Montana is smaller and characterized by mountainous terrain and other scenic areas like Glacier National Park, while Eastern Montana is flatter with lower isolated mountains amidst prairielands. The Montana board of tourism further divides the state into 6 additional regions. Glacier Country is in the northwest and includes Glacier National Park plus the cities of Missoula, Whitefish, Kalispell, and Cut Bank. Gold West Country is in the southwest and is home to the cities of Butte and the state capital Helena. Russel Country, named after the western artist Charles M. Russel, is in the north-central area of the state and includes the cities of Lewistown and Great Falls. Yellowstone Country, gateway to Yellowstone National Park, is in the south-central part of the state. Missouri River Country sits in the far northeast of Montana, and Custer Country is in the far southeast-home to the cities of Billings, Miles City, Glendive and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.