Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Missoula, MT?

Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.9% of gross income.

Missoula rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).

Missoula median rent
$1,550/mo
HVAC Technician salary (Montana)
$50,424/yr
Rent as % of income
36.9%
Gross monthly income works out to about $4,202, and the 30% rule supports up to $1,261/mo in rent. Missoula's median rent of $1,550 exceeds that threshold by $289/mo, putting a hvac technician salary into the rent-burdened range here. A hvac technician works roughly 63.9 hours a month to cover that rent.

About rent and a hvac technician salary

HVAC technician pay sits near the US median household income and rises sharply with certification and overtime. At the national-average HVAC salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,433 a month in rent.

Cheaper rent nearby

These Montana cities have lower median rent than Missoula, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:

Helena, MT
$1,491/mo (35.5% of income)
Helena, MT
$1,490/mo (35.5% of income)
Helena, MT
$1,490/mo (35.5% of income)

Compare with full rent data for Missoula

View full rent data for Missoula, MT

Frequently asked questions

Can a hvac technician afford rent in Missoula, MT?

Median rent in Missoula is $1,550 a month. A typical hvac technician in Montana earns about $50,424 a year, which makes that rent 36.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.

How much rent can a hvac technician afford in Missoula?

Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Montana (~$50,424/yr) supports up to $1,261 a month in rent. Missoula's current median rent is $1,550/mo, which is $289/mo over the affordability threshold.

How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Missoula?

At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a hvac technician in Montana works roughly 63.9 hours a month to cover Missoula's median rent of $1,550.

Where is rent cheaper than Missoula for a hvac technician?

Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Helena ($1,491/mo), Helena ($1,490/mo), Helena ($1,490/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.

Methodology: Salary uses the BLS-derived Montana state estimate from OEWS May 2024. Rent is the most recent ZORI monthly value for Missoula, MT. Affordability applies the 30% rule (rent ≤ 30% of gross income). Real take-home varies with taxes, household composition, overtime, tips, and benefits.