Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Charlotte is 13% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $65,217 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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