Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Burlington and Missoula have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Burlington scores 108 while Missoula scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than Missoula (102).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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