Cost of Living in Missoula, MT
Population 75,600 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Missoula's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $65,329 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Missoula lies roughly 160 miles east of the nearest major metro, Spokane Valley — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Spokane Valley's $344,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Missoula
The median home value in Missoula is $427,400 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,120/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,329/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Montana's top state income tax rate is 6.8% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 56.7°F and lows of 33.6°F, with about 43" of annual snowfall. Overall, Missoula has a cost of living index of 118 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 37 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 73 | 85 | 84 | 73 | 56 | 40 | 31 |
| Low °F | 18 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 40 | 46 | 52 | 50 | 42 | 32 | 25 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.96 | 0.88 | 0.92 | 1.36 | 1.77 | 2.14 | 0.85 | 0.83 | 0.96 | 1.18 | 1.18 | 1.08 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 8.5 | 5.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 5.4 | 11.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT?
Missoula has a cost index of 118 (100 = national average). It is 18% above the national average.
What is average rent in Missoula, MT?
The median gross rent in Missoula is $1,120 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Missoula?
The median home value in Missoula is $427,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Missoula?
The median household income in Missoula is $65,329 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Missoula, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Missoula is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Missoula, MT affordable?
Missoula is above average in cost of living, with an index of 118 — about 18% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Missoula?
Missoula has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 33.6°F. Annual precipitation is 14.1". Average annual snowfall is 43". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Missoula at a Glance
- Population
- 75,600
- Median Income
- $65,329
- Home Value
- $427,400
- Median Rent
- $1,120/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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