Chester, MT vs East Missoula, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chester is 27.9% cheaper than East Missoula. With a cost index of 66 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chester to East Missoula should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chester is $662/month compared to $1,039/month in East Missoula — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chester is more affordable at $156,900 median vs $323,900.

Median household income in Chester is $53,583 compared to $65,541 in East Missoula (-18.2%). The higher salaries in East Missoula partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chester spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in East Missoula.