Direct Answer
Missoula, MT has a CostOfCity index of 108, which is 8% above the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,189/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,911/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Missoula: The Full Picture
Planning a move to Missoula or benchmarking your current costs? This page covers every metric we track for this MT smaller city — from roof replacements and HVAC work to insurance premiums and professional salaries. At a cost index of 108, costs land close to the typical American city. Sun exposure degrades roofing and paint faster than in overcast climates, shortening replacement cycles by 20-30%.
Missoula has an emerging tech satellite where companies establish remote-friendly offices at a fraction of Bay Area costs
The housing market features a housing market that mostly tracks national trends, with surprises in specific neighborhoods
Sun exposure degrades roofing and paint faster than in overcast climates, shortening replacement cycles by 20-30%.. The lifestyle here is characterized by National parks within driving distance and a population that would rather spend Saturday on a trail than in a mall..
With costs sitting just above the national average, Missoula offers a neutral financial playing field. No dramatic markups, no exceptional bargains.
💰 Purchasing Power in Missoula
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Missoula, your dollar buys 7% less than the national average.
🔺 Where Missoula Costs More
🔽 Where Missoula Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Missoula
What it actually costs to live in Missoula each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Missoula's cost index of 108 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Don't let the metro-wide numbers fool you — Missoula is a city of micro-markets. The most expensive ZIP codes can cost twice as much as the most affordable ones for identical services. Shop around by neighborhood and you'll find genuine pockets of value.
Missoula vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Missoula
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-7%HVAC Installation
+4%Plumbing Services
+10%Electrical Work
+7%Kitchen Remodel
+23%Bathroom Remodel
-6%House Painting
+10%Flooring Installation
+7%Landscaping
+28%Fence Installation
+15%Window Replacement
+10%Solar Panel Installation
+28%Water Heater Replacement
+22%Deck Building
+7%Pool Installation
+34%Tree Removal
+27%Garage Door Repair
+27%💼 Business Startup Costs in Missoula
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
+10%Start a Coffee Shop
+8%Start a Food Truck
+29%Start a Gym
-2%Start a Daycare
-14%Start a Hair Salon
+20%Start a Laundromat
-1%Start a Bakery
+7%Start a Bar
+1%Start a Cleaning Business
+11%Start an Airbnb
+31%Start a Trucking Business
+20%📊 Cost of Living in Missoula
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-2%Rent Prices
-16%Grocery Costs
+23%Utility Costs
-16%Transportation Costs
+20%Childcare Costs
-18%Gym Membership
-8%🛡️ Insurance in Missoula
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-3%Home Insurance
+6%Health Insurance
-5%Business Insurance
+3%Life Insurance
-10%Renters Insurance
+11%Pet Insurance
+25%Dental Insurance
+11%Motorcycle Insurance
-7%⚖️ Legal Services in Missoula
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-4%Divorce Lawyer
+11%DUI Lawyer
+20%Immigration Lawyer
+10%Estate Planning Lawyer
-6%Workers Comp Lawyer
+8%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+29%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Missoula
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+7%Registered Nurse Salary
+26%Teacher Salary
+2%Electrician Salary
+26%Plumber Salary
+7%Accountant Salary
+15%Physical Therapist Salary
+24%Police Officer Salary
+23%Dentist Salary
+17%Real Estate Agent Salary
+28%How Much Income Do You Need in Missoula?
✅ Best For
- Couples with dual incomes
- Remote workers with out-of-market salaries
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Mid-career professionals
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking rock-bottom costs
- Single-income families with tight budgets
Before moving to Missoula, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Missoula
Is Missoula a good place to start a business?
Missoula's business environment is shaped by MT's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Moderate costs mean a balanced risk-reward profile for new ventures. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
How does Missoula compare to other cities in MT?
Within Montana, Missoula has a cost index of 108. Nearby options include Helena and Great Falls, which offer useful comparison points.
What are the most expensive cost categories in Missoula?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Missoula, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by western climate conditions and state regulations.
Explore Missoula in Depth
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