Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Springfield is 7% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $69,783 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Missoula has a housing index of 141 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Missoula scores 103 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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