Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Billings is 15% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $63,913 in Billings.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) match Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Billings.
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