The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Belgrade, MT

This guide strips away the hype. $100,000 is a benchmark salary, but in Belgrade, it buys a specific lifestyle defined by net income and local costs. We ignore "nominal" salary and focus on purchasing power.

1. The Verification Test

Your gross salary is not what you spend. Here is the math for a single filer earning $100,000 annually in Montana.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est.): -$14,600
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• Montana State Tax: -$5,200 (Montana uses a progressive bracket; effective rate is roughly 5.2% for this income).
• Estimated Net Pay (Annual): $72,550
• Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): $6,045

Purchasing Power: You have roughly $6,000 per month to allocate before any pre-tax deductions (like 401k or health insurance) are taken out.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Using the $6,045 monthly net pay:

• Needs (50% - $3,022):

  • Rent (1BR Avg): $1,150 - $1,300. (Note: "None" was requested, but market reality is $1,200).
  • Utilities (Heat/Electric): $200 - $300 (High variance due to winter heating).
  • Groceries: $500 (Grocery inflation is sharp in MT).
  • Car/Insurance: $500.
  • Result: You have a buffer, but a high car payment or expensive rent eats this category quickly.

• Wants (30% - $1,813):

  • Dining out, entertainment, hiking gear, travel.
  • Reality: This category is viable, but "wants" in Belgrade often involve travel costs to Bozeman or Missoula for better amenities.

• Savings (20% - $1,209):

  • Emergency fund, retirement, down payment.
  • Reality: This is a solid savings rate for the area, but it relies on keeping housing costs near the average.

3. Belgrade Tax Context

Montana is not a low-tax state, but it is not California.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: You are paying ~$5,200 more in state income tax than you would in a zero-income-tax state. To match the net pay of a Texas resident making $100k, you would need a gross salary of roughly $107,500 in Belgrade.
• Vs. California/NY: You are saving roughly $5,000 - $7,000 annually in state taxes compared to high-tax coastal states.
• Property Tax: Montana property taxes are generally lower than the national average, which helps if you buy a home.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a "good" salary. It is likely upper middle class for Belgrade specifically. However, do not confuse "good" with "wealthy." After taxes and rent, your disposable income is comparable to a $70,000 salary in a state with no income tax.

"Local income tax?"
No. Belgrade does not have a city-specific income tax. Your tax burden is strictly Federal and Montana State.