Moving from Houston to Missoula (2026)
Missoula has a COL index of 97 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Missoula to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Missoula |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,842 |
| $50K | $51,053 |
| $60K | $61,263 |
| $75K | $76,579 |
| $80K | $81,684 |
| $100K | $102,105 |
| $120K | $122,526 |
| $150K | $153,158 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Missoula
| Expense | Houston | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,316 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $357 | $376 |
| Transport | $90 | $45 |
| Utilities | $175 | $145 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,382 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $103 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Houston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Missoula cheaper than Houston?
No. Missoula has a cost of living index of 97 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Missoula?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Missoula run about $375/month more than Houston. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Missoula to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $76,579/year in Missoula. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only