Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Missoula?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Missoula, you need to earn at least $51,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,783, which means the typical resident is $8,503 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 74,627

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$897	$2,990	$35,880	$-23,903
1 Bedroom	$1,064	$3,547	$42,560	$-17,223
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,282	$4,273	$51,280	$-8,503
3 Bedroom	$1,564	$5,213	$62,560	+$2,777
4 Bedroom	$1,923	$6,410	$76,920	+$17,137

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Missoula's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,783

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$51,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,503

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Missoula

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Missoula's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,495

Studio

$897/mo

1 BR

$1,064/mo

2 BR

$1,282/mo

3 BR

$1,564/mo

4 BR

$1,923/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Missoula.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Missoula's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Missoula

Renting in Missoula, Montana is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $51,280/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $59,783, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,064/month) or studio ($897/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Missoula pushes the required income to $62,560.

For comfortable living in Missoula without financial stress, target a household income of at least $76,920 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Montana's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Missoula, Montana.

With a total population of 74,627, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 44,137 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $51,280 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

44,137

Active civilian employees in Missoula

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Missoula

What salary do I need to live in Missoula, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Missoula under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $51,280. The median household income in Missoula is $59,783.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Missoula on $59,783?

The affordability verdict for Missoula is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.7%, meaning median earners have a $8,503 surplus.

What is the average rent in Missoula compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Missoula is $1,064/month. With a median household income of $59,783, residents spend approximately 25.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Missoula?

A studio in Missoula rents for approximately $897/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $35,880 to afford this.

Is Missoula considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,503 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Missoula is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $51,280 to the local median household income.

How Missoula Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements