Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Chicago is 7% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $69,783 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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