Moving from Missoula to Charleston (2026)

Charleston has a COL index of 97 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$563 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
97 โ†’ 97
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300 โ†’ $1,900
per month
State tax
6.8% โ†’ 6.2%
income tax
COL difference
97 โ†’ 97
0% more expensive

Salary needed in Charleston to match your Missoula lifestyle

Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MissoulaEquivalent in Charleston
$40K$40,000
$50K$50,000
$60K$60,000
$75K$75,000
$80K$80,000
$100K$100,000
$120K$120,000
$150K$150,000

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$622/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Missoula vs Charleston

ExpenseMissoulaCharleston
Monthly take-home$4,316$4,353
1BR rent$1,300$1,900
Groceries$376$376
Transport$45$55
Utilities$145$162
Internet$68$63
Left after essentials$2,382$1,797

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston cheaper than Missoula?

No. Charleston has a cost of living index of 97 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Missoula to Charleston?

On a $75K salary, core expenses in Charleston run about $563/month more than Missoula. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.

What salary do I need in Charleston to match my Missoula lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Missoula, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Charleston. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only