Missoula vs Lubbock

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · Texas salaries

Living in Missoula vs Lubbock

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Missoula has a housing index of 141 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $950 in Lubbock.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Missoula scores 103 while Lubbock scores 93.

Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) are higher than Lubbock (90).

Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.

Relocating: Missoula vs Lubbock

If you are considering a move between Missoula (index: 115) and Lubbock (index: 83), the 28% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Lubbock is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Missoula can afford $1,149/month, while the median household in Lubbock can afford $1,163/month. With median homes at $460,000 in Missoula versus $175,000 in Lubbock, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,400/month in Missoula and $950/month in Lubbock, renters save significantly in Lubbock. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Lubbock where costs are 17% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Missoula (115) vs Lubbock (83)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Missoula at 115 is 15% above the US average, while Lubbock at 83 is 17% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,400/month in Missoula and $950/month in Lubbock, the annual rent difference is approximately $5,400. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $27,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $285,000 difference in median home prices between Missoula and Lubbock translates to roughly $17,100 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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