#30: Belgrade, Montana
Avg Yearly Salary: $58,160
Avg Monthly Cost of Living: $8,230
Belgrade has felt the effects of rapid growth around nearby Bozeman. More people are moving into the area for jobs, mountain scenery, and outdoor recreation, but housing has not always kept up. Rising rent, expensive homes, winter heating, and limited choices for some goods can all increase monthly spending.

The salary numbers create a difficult picture. An annual income of $58,160 equals about $4,847 per month before taxes, while estimated expenses reach $8,230. That gap of nearly $3,400 means many residents may need two incomes, extra work, or cheaper housing farther away just to keep up.
