Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Plano is 5% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $71,087 in Plano.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Missoula has a housing index of 141 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Missoula scores 103 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Plano.
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