Moving from Missoula to Springfield (2026)

Springfield has a COL index of 79 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$481/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
97 โ†’ 79
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300 โ†’ $950
per month
State tax
6.8% โ†’ 4.7%
income tax
COL difference
97 โ†’ 79
19% cheaper

Salary needed in Springfield to match your Missoula lifestyle

Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MissoulaEquivalent in Springfield
$40K$32,577
$50K$40,722
$60K$48,866
$75K$61,082
$80K$65,155
$100K$81,443
$120K$97,732
$150K$122,165

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$376/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseMissoulaSpringfield
Monthly take-home$4,316$4,447
1BR rent$1,300$950
Groceries$376$353
Transport$45$42
Utilities$145$155
Internet$68$58
Left after essentials$2,382$2,889

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $376 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$458,709

over 30 years compared to staying in Missoula โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$376/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Springfield cheaper than Missoula?

Yes. Springfield has a cost of living index of 79 vs 97 for Missoula (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Missoula to Springfield?

On a $75K salary, moving from Missoula to Springfield saves roughly $481/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,772/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Missoula, you'd need roughly $61,082/year in Springfield. 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