Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Kalispell, MT?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.2% of gross income.
Kalispell 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 Kalispell, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Kalispell
View full rent data for Kalispell, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Kalispell, MT?
Median rent in Kalispell is $1,888 a month. A typical carpenter in Montana earns about $53,627 a year, which makes that rent 42.2% 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 Kalispell?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Montana (~$53,627/yr) supports up to $1,341 a month in rent. Kalispell's current median rent is $1,888/mo, which is $547/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Kalispell?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a carpenter in Montana works roughly 73.2 hours a month to cover Kalispell's median rent of $1,888.
Where is rent cheaper than Kalispell for a carpenter?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Bozeman ($1,731/mo), Helena ($1,630/mo), Helena ($1,622/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.