Compare Montana towns side by side

Boulder vs Missoula

Montana Town Comparison

Boulder
The Gateway to the Elkhorns
Missoula
The Garden City

A side-by-side comparison to help you decide which Montana community is right for you.

OverviewBoulderMissoula
Population1,20177,757
Elevation4,908 ft3,215 ft
CountyJefferson CountyMissoula County
RegionCentral MontanaWestern Montana
Climate
January Avg High33°F36°F
January Avg Low14°F20°F
July Avg High80°F87°F
July Avg Low50°F58°F
Annual Precipitation17.9"18.7"
Annual Snowfall21.0"18.3"
Housing & Cost of Living (ACS 2019–2023)
Typical Home Value$339,694$547,072
Typical Rent$692/mo$1,526/mo
Median Household Income$61,250$65,329
Access & Education
Nearest AirportHelena (32 mi)Missoula (7 mi)
Zip Code5963259807
School DistrictBoulder Public SchoolsMissoula County Public Schools
Enrollment~250~9,000

Outdoor Recreation & Attractions (within 30 mi)

Boulder: 99 sites | Missoula: 208 sites

CategoryBoulderMissoula
🚣 Boat Launch1
Campground1922
📍 Disc Golf44
🐟 Fishing Access965
Golf36
📜 Historic Site119
♨️ Hot Spring32
🏞️ Lake1113
🏛️ Museum1810
🌲 National Forest1
📍 Nature Reserve47
🎣 River13
⛷️ Ski Area1
🌳 State Park58
🥾 Trailhead749
👀 Viewpoint32
💧 Waterfall12
🏕️ Wilderness2
🦅 Wildlife Refuge1
Explore BoulderExplore Missoula
Moving to Boulder Guide →Moving to Missoula Guide →
← Compare different towns