Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Missoula is 10% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $67,383 in Missoula.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Missoula has a housing index of 141 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Missoula scores 103 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) match Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Missoula.
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