Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Detroit is 23% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $58,043 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $395,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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