Cost of living in Missoula
Missoula, located in the state of Montana, is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in Missoula is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $8 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $50 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.25, with a range between $9 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.89 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.54 per liter, averaging $1.07.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.27.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.29 to $5.99, averaging $3.16.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $10.56 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.88 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.5 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - Public transport ticket prices are currently not available.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.26 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.55 to $1.74 per km and $30 to $40 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1100 to $1950, averaging $1375.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1700, averaging $1325.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $3800, averaging $2800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2400 to $3200, averaging $2650.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3735.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $3735.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $349.35, averaging $144.54.
- Internet - Internet services range from $67 to $85, with an average cost of $78.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Missoula offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable grocery prices.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, but public transport data is currently unavailable.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Missoula.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Missoula, MT, presents a balanced cost of living that can accommodate various lifestyles.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, other expenses such as dining, groceries, and utilities remain affordable.
Potential residents should consider their housing preferences and transportation needs when planning their budget for living in Missoula.