Comfortable Salary Calculator · 2026
How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Helena?
Single adult · 2026 tax rates · Expenses based on HUD, USDA, and BLS data
Last updated: March 2026 · Data updated monthly using government datasets.
Income Scenarios for Helena
Studio apartment, minimal dining out, no frills
$26,000
required gross salary
Annual take-home
$21,626
Monthly take-home
$1,802
Monthly expenses
$1,666
Rent
$820/mo
Food
$355/mo
Savings target
5%
1-bedroom, moderate lifestyle, 10–15% savings
$35,000
required gross salary
Annual take-home
$28,286
Monthly take-home
$2,357
Monthly expenses
$1,959
Rent
$1,050/mo
Food
$418/mo
Savings target
15%
2-bedroom or upscale 1BR, dining out regularly, 20% savings
$45,000
required gross salary
Annual take-home
$35,646
Monthly take-home
$2,971
Monthly expenses
$2,334
Rent
$1,320/mo
Food
$523/mo
Savings target
20%
Monthly Expense Breakdown
Non-rent expenses are consistent across scenarios; rent varies by housing tier.
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $820 | $1,050 | $1,320 |
| Food | $355 | $418 | $523 |
| Transport | $159 | $159 | $159 |
| Utilities | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Healthcare | $182 | $182 | $182 |
| Total/month | $1,666 | $1,959 | $2,334 |
| Required salary | $26,000 | $35,000 | $45,000 |
Cost-of-Living Context
COL Index
0.91
vs US avg (1.00)
1BR Rent
$1,050/mo
HUD FMR 2026
Food (single)
$418/mo
USDA low-cost plan
Transport
$159/mo
BLS CES avg
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Helena?
A comfortable salary for a single adult in Helena is approximately $35,000 (gross). This covers a 1-bedroom apartment ($1,050/mo), food, transport, utilities, and healthcare — with around 15% of take-home available for savings. (2026 data)
How is this calculated?
The required salary is calculated by estimating total monthly essential expenses (rent, food, transport, utilities, healthcare), then grossing up to account for federal and MT state taxes at 2026 rates. The target is to leave at least 10–20% of take-home income for savings.
Is Helena affordable?
Yes — Helena has a cost-of-living index of 0.91, meaning it is 9% less expensive than the national average. Even a moderate income goes further here.
How much is rent in Helena?
Average rent in Helena: Studio $820/mo, 1-bedroom $1,050/mo, 2-bedroom $1,320/mo. (Source: HUD Fair Market Rents 2026)
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Data Sources
- •Rent data: HUD Fair Market Rents
- •Tax calculations: IRS federal tax tables
- •Salary data: Bureau of Labor Statistics
- •Payroll taxes: Social Security Administration
Data updated monthly using government datasets.