Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Missoula is 13% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $65,341 in Missoula.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bend has a housing index of 182 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Bend costs $580,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Bend versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bend scores 106 while Missoula scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Bend (106) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bend is $68,234 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Missoula.
Amazon affiliate links