Can I Afford to Live in Missoula vs Buffalo on $150K?
Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Missoula MT | Buffalo NY |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,094 | $8,081 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $376 | $384 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $72 |
| Utilities | $145 | $185 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $6,160/month | $6,125/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Missoula?
At $150K/year in Missoula, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,094. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Buffalo?
At $150K/year in Buffalo, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,081. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Missoula leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,160/month vs $6,125/month in Buffalo.
Can I afford to live alone in Missoula on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Missoula, rent takes 16% of your take-home, leaving $6,160/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only