Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Missoula is 29% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $53,241 in Missoula.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Missoula.
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