Estimate closing costs for a home purchase or refinance in Montana. The average closing cost in Montana is $1,347 (0.5% of the loan amount) per LodeStar 2026.
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Average closing costs in Montana are $1,347, which sits below the national average of $2,207. Key cost factors in the state include the absence of a statewide real estate transfer tax and competitive local title insurance rates.
Montana's real estate transfer tax rate of 0% is tied for the lowest nationwide (with 14 other states); the national median is 0.11%.
This calculator estimates your total closing costs for a home purchase in Montana. Enter your purchase price and down payment, and it applies Montana's average closing cost percentage from LodeStar 2026 data to estimate your total costs, broken down by category. Where applicable, the estimate includes Montana's transfer tax, mortgage recording tax, and typical attorney fees — costs that vary significantly from state to state and are often the biggest source of surprise at closing.
Here is how the calculation methodology works using representative illustrative figures (hypothetical example only — see Montana's actual transfer tax rate and averages in the sections above):
Several closing cost components are negotiable, even though government fees and taxes generally aren't. Lender fees — origination charges, underwriting fees, and processing costs — vary meaningfully between lenders, making it worth comparing Loan Estimates from at least three lenders before committing. Some lenders offer a "no-closing-cost" option that rolls the fees into a slightly higher interest rate; this can make sense if you don't plan to keep the loan long enough for the rate difference to outweigh the upfront savings. Title insurance premiums are regulated in some states and negotiable in others — ask your title company directly whether their rate is fixed or flexible.
The average closing cost in Montana is $1,347 (0.5% of the average loan amount of $330,622), according to LodeStar 2026 data. By comparison, the national average closing cost is $2,207 (0.67% of loan amount). Actual costs for your transaction will vary based on purchase price, down payment, lender fees, and local jurisdiction.
Montana does not impose a statewide real estate transfer tax on property purchases. This absence of state transfer taxes helps keep total closing costs lower compared to many other states.
No, Montana does not legally require an attorney to be present at closing. Real estate closings and settlement services are typically handled by a title company, escrow agent, or settlement company, though buyers and sellers may choose to hire an attorney optionally for legal representation and document review.
No, Montana does not charge a percentage-based mortgage recording tax on the loan amount. However, standard county recording and filing fees (typically flat fees ranging from $50 to $250) still apply to record the deed and mortgage documents in public land records.
Average closing costs in Montana are $1,347, which is below the national average of $2,207. Key factors influencing closing costs in Montana compared to the national average include: the absence of a statewide real estate transfer tax and competitive local title insurance rates. Shopping multiple lenders for origination and underwriting fees remains the most effective way for borrowers to reduce their overall closing costs.
This calculator provides estimates based on LodeStar 2026 statewide average closing cost data and is intended for planning purposes only. Actual closing costs vary by lender, transaction type, loan amount, property location, and current market conditions. Your lender is required to provide an itemized Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application under RESPA. This tool is not a substitute for a formal Loan Estimate or legal advice.