Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Atlanta is 7% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $69,783 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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