Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Missoula, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.5% of gross income.
Missoula rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Missoula, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Missoula
View full rent data for Missoula, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Missoula, MT?
Median rent in Missoula is $1,550 a month. A typical plumber in Montana earns about $59,048 a year, which makes that rent 31.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Missoula?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Montana (~$59,048/yr) supports up to $1,476 a month in rent. Missoula's current median rent is $1,550/mo, which is $74/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Missoula?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a plumber in Montana works roughly 54.6 hours a month to cover Missoula's median rent of $1,550.
Where is rent cheaper than Missoula for a plumber?
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 plumber salary.