Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Great Falls, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 39% of gross income.
Great Falls rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a dental assistant salary
Dental assistant pay sits near the US median household income. At the national-average dental-assistant salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,214 a month in rent, which is achievable in most lower- and mid-cost metros.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Great Falls, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Great Falls
View full rent data for Great Falls, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Great Falls, MT?
Median rent in Great Falls is $1,388 a month. A typical dental assistant in Montana earns about $42,733 a year, which makes that rent 39% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental assistant afford in Great Falls?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Montana (~$42,733/yr) supports up to $1,068 a month in rent. Great Falls's current median rent is $1,388/mo, which is $320/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Great Falls?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a dental assistant in Montana works roughly 67.6 hours a month to cover Great Falls's median rent of $1,388.
Where is rent cheaper than Great Falls for a dental assistant?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Livingston ($1,383/mo), Billings ($1,383/mo), Billings ($1,374/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.