Average Rent in Missoula, MT↑ Rents rising 33.3% YoY🔺 4th priciest in MT

Missoula, MT has rental prices ranging from $1,121/month to $2,694/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,339/month — 4% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,888/year, spending $1,339/month on a 1-bedroom represents 23% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Missoula Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,604/month, Missoula ranks #4 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 94% of all US cities in our data.

The Missoula Rental Market

The Missoula, MT area has a population of about 124,435 and 40% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Missoula, MT have risen by $401/month (33.3%) over the past year, from $1,203 to $1,604. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Missoula, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $53,560. The local median household income of $70,888 exceeds that threshold by $17,328, making Missoula relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Missoula, MT is $575,182, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 29.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 30 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Missoula's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Bonner-West Riverside ($409,941 median home value), Northside ($431,865 median home value), Franklin to the Fort ($437,873 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Missoula, MT Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Missoula?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Missoula

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.