Can A Real Estate Agent Afford Rent in Missoula, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.2% of gross income.
Missoula rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a real estate agent salary
Real estate agent pay is commission-driven and varies widely with local market conditions. The BLS mean averages high and low producers. At the national-average agent salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,640 a month in rent — though successful agents in active markets earn well above this.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Missoula, which improves the affordability math on a real estate agent salary:
Compare with full rent data for Missoula
View full rent data for Missoula, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a real estate agent afford rent in Missoula, MT?
Median rent in Missoula is $1,550 a month. A typical real estate agent in Montana earns about $57,710 a year, which makes that rent 32.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a real estate agent afford in Missoula?
Using the 30% rule, a real estate agent salary in Montana (~$57,710/yr) supports up to $1,443 a month in rent. Missoula's current median rent is $1,550/mo, which is $107/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a real estate agent work to cover rent in Missoula?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a real estate agent in Montana works roughly 55.9 hours a month to cover Missoula's median rent of $1,550.
Where is rent cheaper than Missoula for a real estate agent?
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 real estate agent salary.