Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Houston is 17% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $62,609 in Houston.
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. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Missoula scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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