Can I Afford to Live in Missoula vs Columbus on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/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 | Columbus GA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,754 | $5,863 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,100 |
| Groceries (est.) | $376 | $353 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $40 |
| Utilities | $145 | $160 |
| Internet | $68 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $3,820/month | $4,152/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Missoula?
At $100K/year in Missoula, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,754. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $100K a good salary in Columbus?
At $100K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,863. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,152/month vs $3,820/month in Missoula.
Can I afford to live alone in Missoula on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in Missoula, rent takes 23% of your take-home, leaving $3,820/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