Moving from Missoula to Fayetteville (2026)
Fayetteville has a COL index of 86 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fayetteville to match your Missoula lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Missoula | Equivalent in Fayetteville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,464 |
| $50K | $44,330 |
| $60K | $53,196 |
| $75K | $66,495 |
| $80K | $70,928 |
| $100K | $88,660 |
| $120K | $106,392 |
| $150K | $132,990 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Missoula vs Fayetteville
| Expense | Missoula | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,316 | $4,466 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $376 | $361 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $145 | $162 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,382 | $2,541 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fayetteville cheaper than Missoula?
Yes. Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 86 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Missoula to Fayetteville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Missoula to Fayetteville could save roughly $9/month on core expenses. That's ~$108/year.
What salary do I need in Fayetteville to match my Missoula lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Missoula, you'd need roughly $66,495/year in Fayetteville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only