Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Cleveland is 24% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $56,739 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries ยท Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $360,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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