Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Des Moines is 23% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $58,043 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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