Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Birmingham is 24% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $56,739 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Missoula (102).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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