Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Baton Rouge is 21% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $59,348 in Baton Rouge.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Baton Rouge.
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