Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
El Paso is 26% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $55,435 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Missoula (102).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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