Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Austin is 7% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $69,783 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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