The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Great Falls

This guide treats a $100,000 salary as a raw data point, not a lifestyle promise. We focus on "Purchasing Power"—what actually hits your bank account and what it buys locally—versus the "Nominal Salary" printed on your offer letter. Great Falls (zip 59405) offers low costs, but don't expect coastal wealth here.

1. The Verification Test

A $100,000 nominal salary shrinks fast due to taxes. We estimate take-home pay assuming single filer, standard deduction, no dependents. Taxes are approximations; consult a pro for your exact situation.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax: ~$14,000 (progressive brackets; ~14% effective rate)
• FICA (Social Security + Medicare): ~$7,650 (7.65% flat on wages up to $168,600 in 2023)
• Montana State Income Tax: ~$5,400 (flat 4.25% rate on taxable income after deductions; Montana is moderate—higher than TX/FL (0%) but lower than CA/NY (up to 13.3%+))
• Estimated Net Pay (Annual): ~$72,950
• Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): ~$6,080

Purchasing Power Note: In Great Falls, this net pay buys more than in high-tax states (e.g., California would net ~$65,000 after state taxes alone), but less than in no-tax states (Texas/Florida: ~$77,350 net).

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Apply the 50/30/20 rule to net pay: 50% Needs (survival), 30% Wants (discretionary), 20% Savings. Great Falls' low rent makes this achievable, but inflation bites.

• Needs (50% of Net: ~$3,040/month):

  • Rent (1BR avg in 59405): $745/month (unfurnished, basic; source: Zillow/Local Data).
  • Utilities (electric, heat, water, internet): $200-$250/month (Montana winters spike heating).
  • Groceries: $400/month (single person; local chain like Albertsons).
  • Transportation (gas/insurance for 1 car): $250/month (limited public transit; 12k miles/year at $3.50/gallon).
  • Healthcare (premiums/out-of-pocket): $300/month (employer plan assumed).
  • Remaining Needs Buffer: $1,095/month (misc: phone, hygiene, emergencies).

• Wants (30% of Net: ~$1,824/month):

  • Dining out, entertainment, hobbies: $1,200/month (e.g., local bars, movies, occasional travel).
  • Clothing/Gadgets: $300/month.
  • Subscriptions/Misc: $324/month.
  • Reality Check: If rent rises or utilities spike in winter, this category evaporates first.

• Savings (20% of Net: ~$1,216/month):

  • Emergency fund: $500/month (target 3-6 months expenses: ~$18,000-$36,000).
  • Retirement (401k/IRA): $500/month (aim for 15% of gross; $12,500/year).
  • Investments/Big Purchases: $216/month.
  • Total Annual Savings Potential: $14,592 (buys time in a job loss, but not a yacht).

This budget works if you avoid debt. High-interest credit cards destroy it.

3. Great Falls Tax Context

Montana's tax profile is "middle-of-the-road": No sales tax (big plus), but a flat income tax hits $100k earners harder than low-income folks.

• Vs. Low-Tax (Texas/Florida): In TX/FL, net pay would be ~$77,350 (state tax $0). You'd save an extra $4,400/year—enough for a used car or extra retirement. Great Falls' low rent offsets this somewhat, but taxes erode your edge.
• Vs. High-Tax (California/NY): In CA/NY, net pay drops to ~$65,000 (state tax $6,000-$8,000+). Montana saves you $7,000-$8,000/year here, boosting purchasing power for housing and basics.
• Local Twist: Great Falls has no city income tax. Property taxes are low (~0.8% effective rate), but sales tax on goods is 0% (state only). Total tax burden: ~22-25% of gross—better than average, but not a windfall.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes, for Great Falls. It's ~2.3x the median household income ($43,000 in 2022 Census). You'll live comfortably: afford $745 rent with room to spare, save $15k/year, and avoid paycheck-to-paycheck if disciplined. But it's not "wealthy"—median home price is $300k, so buying requires $60k down and $1,800/month mortgage. A $100k nominal salary gets you stability, not luxury. Inflation and healthcare could tighten it fast.

"Local income tax?"
No city or local income tax in Great Falls. Only federal and Montana state (4.25% flat). Sales tax is 0% statewide (on most items), making it a tax-friendly spot for spenders. If you're moving from CA/NY, you'll notice the relief immediately; from TX/FL, it's a minor hit.