Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Syracuse is 20% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $60,000 in Syracuse.
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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Missoula scores 103 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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