East Missoula, MT vs Lewistown, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lewistown is 24.8% cheaper than East Missoula. With a cost index of 73 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lewistown to East Missoula should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in East Missoula is $1,039/month compared to $896/month in Lewistown — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lewistown is more affordable at $159,500 median vs $323,900.

Median household income in East Missoula is $65,541 compared to $44,195 in Lewistown (+48.3%). While East Missoula is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of East Missoula spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 24.3% in Lewistown.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.2°F vs 43.1°F). Lewistown receives more rainfall at 17.2" per year compared to 14.1" in East Missoula.