Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Chattanooga is 23% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $58,043 in Chattanooga.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Missoula scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Missoula (102).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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