For those renting here in Montana, the price can be a little steep. While some areas are cheaper than others, for those looking to live in Montana’s more popular areas, you can plan on paying a little or sometimes, a lot more.

As a resident of Bozeman, my wife and I pay double the price we paid for our last place.

The last place had more square footage, a double-car garage, and an extra bathroom. Granted, the prices have come down a little over the last year or so, however, compared to other areas, renting in Montana can be very expensive.

Why is rent so high in Montana?

Most of it is supply and demand.  In more popular areas like Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula, folks have been flocking to those areas which means that landlords and property managers have been able to take advantage.

While I’m all for capitalism, I question those organizations that charge an “application fee” when they only have one or two units and allow 50 people to apply. That seems super shady to me.

Another factor is that home prices are so high that those who can’t afford to purchase a home are left with renting, so….you can add a couple hundred dollars a month and people have to pay it.

Will rent prices go down in Montana?

We shall see. While places like Bozeman continue to build lots of apartments and townhomes, one would think that would bring down the prices of rent, and it has to some extent. Now that renters have more options, they can be a little more picky on what they want to pay.

BOZEMAN — The Montana State men rolled past Northwest Indian College in their home opener 93-35. The three-consecutive Big Sky tournament champions also unveiled their new banner with an updated “2024” program title on Monday night at the game.

Junior guard Bryce Zephir, who transferred to the Bobcats this season from Salt Lake CC, led all scorers with 16 points. Junior forward Brandon Walker followed with 13 points.

Utah State transfer Max Agbonkpolo grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. The win brought Montana State to 1-2 early in the season. The Bobcats face Denver University on the road on Sunday.

For full highlights, click the video reel above.

HELENA — The holiday season is right around the corner and the Red Cross is preparing a gift this year for active duty members.

“Operation Holiday Cheer” is a way for the public, and the Red Cross, to help thank active duty members by gathering care items for troops deployed overseas.

They’re asking the public to drop off requested items to their locations where Red Crossers will then assemble and ship the care packages to those serving in Camp Buehring in Kuwait.

“One of our biggest accomplishments is hoping to get that comfort and care item to our service members that are deployed. So for me personally, I have a spouse that’s been deployed a couple of times, just making sure that they know that people at home care about them and are thinking about them,” said American Red Cross of Montana Service to the Armed Forces Director Sara Cease.

They’ll have drop-off stations at any of its blood donation centers across the state. The deadline to drop off requested itemsis now on November 15.

“Primarily items that they don’t necessarily get through other channels,” said Cease, “So some comfort items to bring a little touch of home. Amazing how much just a much of a tube of chapstick means to someone when they’re deployed. So making sure they have some comfort items, some refreshments and some fun items during the holidays.”