Moving from Missoula to Billings (2026)
Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Billings to match your Missoula lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Missoula | Equivalent in Billings |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,701 |
| $50K | $45,876 |
| $60K | $55,052 |
| $75K | $68,814 |
| $80K | $73,402 |
| $100K | $91,753 |
| $120K | $110,103 |
| $150K | $137,629 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Missoula vs Billings
| Expense | Missoula | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,316 | $4,316 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $376 | $369 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $145 | $148 |
| Internet | $68 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,382 | $2,489 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $107 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Missoula — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Billings cheaper than Missoula?
Yes. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Missoula to Billings?
On a $75K salary, moving from Missoula to Billings saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.
What salary do I need in Billings to match my Missoula lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Missoula, you'd need roughly $68,814/year in Billings. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only