Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Helena, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.8% of gross income.
Helena rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Helena, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Helena
View full rent data for Helena, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Helena, MT?
Median rent in Helena is $1,663 a month. A typical plumber in Montana earns about $59,048 a year, which makes that rent 33.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Helena?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Montana (~$59,048/yr) supports up to $1,476 a month in rent. Helena's current median rent is $1,663/mo, which is $187/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Helena?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a plumber in Montana works roughly 58.6 hours a month to cover Helena's median rent of $1,663.
Where is rent cheaper than Helena for a plumber?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Livingston ($1,600/mo), Missoula ($1,568/mo), Missoula ($1,550/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.