Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Tempe is 8% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $69,130 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Missoula has a housing index of 141 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Missoula costs $460,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Missoula versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Missoula scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Missoula (102) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Missoula is $49,234 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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