Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Milwaukee is 20% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $60,000 in Milwaukee.
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. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) match Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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