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Cost of Living in Missoula County

Is it better to rent or buy in Missoula County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$79,149
$1,264/mo

Median in area: $1,264

$494,513

Median in area: $494,513

$98,903

If you Rent

🔑
$1,432 /mo
Base Rent$1,264
Est. Utilities$168
% of Income21.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,164

If you Buy

🏠
$3,261 /mo
P&I (6.923%)$2,612
Taxes & Ins$481
Est. Utilities$168
% of Income49.4%
Pre-tax Residual$3,335

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Missoula County stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Missoula County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Missoula County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,432, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,261 per month (a difference of $1,829).

How much do utilities cost in Missoula County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Missoula County is approximately $168. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Missoula County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Missoula County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $57,280 per year.