Missoula vs St. Louis for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Missoula Montana | St. Louis Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,050Better | $1,050 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,750 | $1,700Better |
| Median home price | $430K | $230KBetter |
| Median household income | $54KBetter | $54K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,261 | $1,131Better |
| State income tax | 6.8% | 4.7%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 0%Better | 8.6% |
| Monthly utilities | $145Better | $162 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 99 | 97Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Missoula or St. Louis?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, St. Louis scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,700/mo in St. Louis vs $1,750/mo. St. Louis is approximately 10% 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 St. Louis?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,750/month in Missoula and $1,700/month in St. Louis. St. Louis is 3% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Missoula or St. Louis?
The price-to-income ratio in Missoula is 8.0× ($430K median home, $54K median income). In St. Louis it's 4.3× ($230K home, $54K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — St. Louis is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Missoula vs St. Louis?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,261/month in Missoula and $1,131/month in St. Louis, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,560/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Missoula has a 6.8% state income tax rate vs St. Louis's 4.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $210/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Missoula has the same purchasing power as $90K in St. Louis
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026