Helena, MT vs Missoula, MT

Helena is moderately more affordable than Missoula, with a 8.3% lower cost of living index. Helena scores 93 compared to 102 for Missoula, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Missoula can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Helena is $1,058/month compared to $1,120/month in Missoula — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Helena is more affordable at $355,100 median vs $427,400.

Median household income in Helena is $69,341 compared to $65,329 in Missoula (+6.1%). Helena offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Helena spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.6% in Missoula.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.5°F vs 45.2°F). Missoula receives more rainfall at 14.1" per year compared to 11.4" in Helena.