Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Helena, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.5% of gross income.
Helena rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Helena, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Helena
View full rent data for Helena, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Helena, MT?
Median rent in Helena is $1,630 a month. A typical carpenter in Montana earns about $53,627 a year, which makes that rent 36.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Helena?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Montana (~$53,627/yr) supports up to $1,341 a month in rent. Helena's current median rent is $1,630/mo, which is $289/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Helena?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a carpenter in Montana works roughly 63.2 hours a month to cover Helena's median rent of $1,630.
Where is rent cheaper than Helena for a carpenter?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Missoula ($1,622/mo), Missoula ($1,619/mo), Missoula ($1,618/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.