Helena, Montana
In Helena, Montana, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.59 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.14 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,331.1, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 3.19% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Helena's cost-of-living index of 85 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.59
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,331.1
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
3.19%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$10.90
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.71 | $2.02 | $2.56 | $3.75 | $2.08 | +21.6% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.29 | $3.59 | $3.48 | $3.58 | $3.72 | +13.1% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.68 | $4.52 | $4.75 | $4.99 | $4.99 | +35.6% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.05 | $2.80 | $2.99 | $3.20 | $3.26 | +59.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.40 | $3.64 | $3.75 | $3.71 | $3.78 | +11.2% |
| Butter (lb) | $3.99 | $4.51 | $4.74 | $4.93 | $5.13 | +28.6% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.11 | $6.60 | $7.00 | $7.43 | $7.65 | +25.2% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.40 | $6.06 | $6.24 | $6.30 | $6.30 | +16.7% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.45 | $1.75 | $1.86 | $1.88 | $1.94 | +33.8% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.91 | $4.41 | $4.54 | $4.58 | $4.62 | +18.2% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.07 | $9.59 | $10.46 | $10.98 | $11.54 | +43.0% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.46 | $4.04 | $4.40 | $4.57 | $4.71 | +36.1% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.76 | $4.03 | $4.19 | $4.40 | $4.44 | +18.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.31 | $4.53 | $4.81 | $4.95 | $5.05 | +17.2% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.09 | $2.36 | $2.45 | $2.60 | $2.65 | +26.8% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.69 | $1.88 | $2.01 | $2.11 | $2.15 | +27.2% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.12 | $6.40 | $6.98 | $7.33 | $7.55 | +47.5% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.95 | $4.22 | $4.34 | $4.60 | $4.69 | +18.7% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.42 | $5.13 | $5.38 | $5.65 | $5.65 | +27.8% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.77 | $6.79 | $7.41 | $7.85 | $8.00 | +38.6% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$10.90
Casual Dining
$20.99
Monthly Spend
$354.51
+5.43% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $6.76
$10.90
+61.2%Wendy's
2022: $7.63
$11.77
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $8.18
$12.21
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $3.82
$5.30
+38.7%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Helena?
Average 1BR: $1,232.5/mo · 2BR: $1,563.12/mo
Newsletter
Get the Monthly Price Report
We track gas, groceries, and rent so you know what's coming before it hits your wallet. One email, once a month, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Data updated monthly from FRED, Zillow, AAA.
How does Helena compare to other Montana cities?
Compare Cities Side by Side →