Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Charleston is 4% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $71,739 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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