Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Missoula is 31% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $51,958 in Missoula.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $390,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Missoula scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Missoula.
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