Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Madison is 8% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $69,130 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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