Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 9% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $68,478 in Colorado Springs.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
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