With the cost of living on the rise, finding the cheapest place to live in Montana isn’t always easy - especially when you want to live in a town you love. Luckily, there are still plenty of affordable places to live in Montana, where you can have an amazing (and reasonably priced) life. It’s true, and just in case you need convincing, check out the nine cities below, which, in addition to having good reputations, are some of the most affordable places to live in Montana.

1. Chinook

Located in Blaine County near Havre, Chinook is a delightful little city. With a $103,000 median home price and a median rent price of just over $500, you can definitely live there without breaking the bank. It's not just one of the cheapest places to live in Montana, though. It's also one of the coolest small towns in Montana.

2. Scobey

Eastern Montana can feel a little isolated at times, but this close-knit community is perfectly pleasant. The median price for a home here is $120,000, and you can typically find a place to rent for around $650. If you enjoy hunting, fishing, wide open spaces, pioneer history, and a quiet life, Scobey may be the place for you.

3. Townsend

Townsend is relatively close to Bozeman, Butte, and Helena, but it feels like a different world. You can buy a great home here for around $140,000, and the unemployment rate is around two percent. And nature enthusiasts will be happy to know Townsend is home to a secret waterfall in Montana.

4. Deer Lodge

If you love history, Deer Lodge is a dream come true. Between the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and the Old Montana Prison Museum, this city pays homage to our state's past, earning it recognition as one of the most unique towns in Montana. The median home price is $115,000, and the average rent is $560.

5. Conrad

Located in north-central Montana, Conrad's cost of living is about 12 percent lower than the U.S. average. One of the most affordable places to live in Montana, a home here will cost around $120,000, while the median rent is roughly $700. The city has a 1.9 percent unemployment rate.

6. Miles City

Who wouldn't want to live in a good old-fashioned cowboy town? Miles City has a cost of living that's about six percent lower than the state average, and the median home price is $130,000. And with a population of less than 10,000, you'll have all the amenities of a big city without the crowds. Miles City also boasts another huge perk - it's home to Pirogue Island State Park.

7. Livingston

Believe it or not, the cost of living in Livingston is slightly below Montana's average, not to mention almost 40 percent lower than the cost of living in the nearby city of Bozeman. The median home price is around $200,000 (compared to Bozeman's $400,000) and utilities and groceries are reasonably priced. Not only is Livingston one of the cheapest places to live in Montana , but it’s also revered as one of the coolest small towns in the U.S.

8. Havre

If you've been curious about what it might be like to call this historic railroad city home, we have some good news: It's not outrageously expensive. The median home price is $170,000, which is nine percent lower than Montana's average. Havre has seen the job market increase by 1.5% in recent years, with a larger future increase predicted. There's much more to Havre than affordable living, though. It's also where you'll find one of the state's best hidden gems - an underground city in Montana.

9. Lewistown

Have you ever wanted to give Central Montana living a try? Those who live in Lewistown tend to be pretty happy. In fact, it's one of the happiest places in America. And that might have something to do with the fact that the cost of living in Lewistown is below average both for Montana and the rest of the country, and you can buy a great house for under $150,000.

So, do you agree? What is your favorite cheapest place to live in Montana? When it comes to the most affordable places to live in Montana, what other cities come to mind? Tell us!

Really, though, no matter where in Montana you live, you’re lucky to call the beautiful state home. And if you’re currently raising a family, you might want to consider checking out these family-friendly cities in Montana. And, if you're feeling an extra dose of state pride, check out this unique Montana apparel collection from Wear Your Roots!