Missoula vs New Bedford

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Missoula has the same purchasing power as $73,043 in New Bedford.

Conversely, $75,000 in New Bedford equals $77,009 in Missoula.

Living in Missoula vs New Bedford

Housing Costs

Missoula's housing index of 141 is higher New Bedford's 116, translating to median home prices of $460,000 vs $371,000. The $89,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,784 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Missoula compared to $1,225/mo in New Bedford, a monthly difference of $175.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 103 in Missoula and 104 in New Bedford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $489/month in Missoula vs $494/month in New Bedford. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 89 in Missoula and 145 in New Bedford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Missoula vs $580 in New Bedford. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 102 in Missoula and 118 in New Bedford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $49,234 in Missoula and $57,000 in New Bedford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $42,812 and $50,893 respectively. New Bedford residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,149/month to housing in Missoula vs $1,330/month in New Bedford. In Missoula, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 56 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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