Missoula vs Laredo for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Missoula Montana | Laredo Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,050 | $750Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,750 | $1,250Better |
| Median home price | $430K | $185KBetter |
| Median household income | $54KBetter | $44K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,261 | $1,027Better |
| State income tax | 6.8% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 0%Better | 8.3% |
| Monthly utilities | $145Better | $168 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 99 | 89Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Missoula or Laredo?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Laredo scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,250/mo in Laredo vs $1,750/mo. Laredo is approximately 19% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Missoula vs Laredo?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,750/month in Missoula and $1,250/month in Laredo. Laredo is 29% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Missoula or Laredo?
The price-to-income ratio in Missoula is 8.0× ($430K median home, $54K median income). In Laredo it's 4.2× ($185K home, $44K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Laredo is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Missoula vs Laredo?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,261/month in Missoula and $1,027/month in Laredo, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$2,808/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Missoula has a 6.8% state income tax rate vs Laredo has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $680/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Missoula has the same purchasing power as $81K in Laredo
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026