Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Durham is 12% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $65,870 in Durham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Missoula (102).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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