Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Fort Worth is 17% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $61,957 in Fort Worth.
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. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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