Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Rochester is 18% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $61,304 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Missoula has a housing index of 141 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $305,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Missoula scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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