Salary Needed to Live in Missoula as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $133,014/year to live comfortably in Missoula, MT, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $133,014/year to live comfortably in Missoula, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $105,682/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,857.
The minimum scenario leaves about $6,429/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $11,085/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$133,014
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$105,682
$8,807/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$6,429
9% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Missoula
| Expense | Missoula | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,546 | $2,509 | -38% |
| Groceries | $776 | $528 | +47% |
| Utilities | $252 | $337 | -25% |
| Transportation | $599 | $526 | +14% |
| Car Insurance | $170 | $215 | -21% |
| Health Insurance | $570 | $642 | -11% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,296 | $1,200 | +8% |
| Internet + Phones | $194 | $180 | +8% |
| Children Activities | $270 | $250 | +8% |
| Dining Out | $378 | $350 | +8% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $162 | $150 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $6,429 | $7,087 | -9% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$6,429
Target savings (15%):$1,428/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,857
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$133,014
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,546
3BR Apartment/House rent is 24% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,428/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
108/100
Missoula is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,546/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,516/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $105,682/year as the survival floor and $133,014/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Missoula
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Missoula?
A family with kids needs approximately $133,014/year ($11,085/month gross) to live comfortably in Missoula with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Missoula?
A 3br apartment/house in Missoula costs approximately $1,546/month, which is the largest single expense at 24% of the total budget.
Is Missoula affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Missoula is 9% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.