Billings and Missoula Rank Among the Best Places to Live in Montana

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According to a new national ranking from Livability, the cities of Billings and Missoula in Montana have been named among the top 100 best places to live in the country. Billings came in at #76 on the list, praised for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, top-notch schools, and low cost of living. Missoula ranked even higher at #42, recognized for its unparalleled natural beauty, outdoor activities, renowned breweries, and strong sense of environmental stewardship.

Why it matters

This ranking highlights the appeal of living in Montana, even as the state has become more expensive in recent years due to the 'Yellowstone effect' of increased popularity and migration. The list focuses on small to mid-sized cities where residents can enjoy a high quality of life, shorter commutes, and more affordable costs, making Billings and Missoula stand out as desirable places to call home in Big Sky Country.

The details

Livability has been publishing its Top 100 Best Places to Live list for over a decade, focusing on small to mid-sized cities across the United States. The ranking considers factors like the local economy, amenities, infrastructure, housing, education, health care, and overall quality of life. Both Billings and Missoula were recognized for their natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, friendly communities, and relatively low costs of living compared to other parts of the state.

• Livability has published its Top 100 Best Places to Live list annually for over a decade.
• The 2026 edition of the list was released on April 2, 2026.