Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Columbia is 17% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $62,609 in Columbia.
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. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) match Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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