Compare Montana towns side by side

Missoula vs Boulder

Montana Town Comparison

Missoula
The Garden City
Boulder
The Gateway to the Elkhorns

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

OverviewMissoulaBoulder
Population77,7571,201
Elevation3,215 ft4,908 ft
CountyMissoula CountyJefferson County
RegionWestern MontanaCentral Montana
Climate
January Avg High36°F33°F
January Avg Low20°F14°F
July Avg High87°F80°F
July Avg Low58°F50°F
Annual Precipitation18.7"17.9"
Annual Snowfall18.3"21.0"
Housing & Cost of Living (ACS 2019–2023)
Typical Home Value$547,072$339,694
Typical Rent$1,526/mo$692/mo
Median Household Income$65,329$61,250
Access & Education
Nearest AirportMissoula (7 mi)Helena (32 mi)
Zip Code5980759632
School DistrictMissoula County Public SchoolsBoulder Public Schools
Enrollment~9,000~250

Outdoor Recreation & Attractions (within 30 mi)

Missoula: 208 sites | Boulder: 99 sites

CategoryMissoulaBoulder
🚣 Boat Launch1
Campground2219
📍 Disc Golf44
🐟 Fishing Access659
Golf63
📜 Historic Site911
♨️ Hot Spring23
🏞️ Lake1311
🏛️ Museum1018
🌲 National Forest1
📍 Nature Reserve74
🎣 River31
⛷️ Ski Area1
🌳 State Park85
🥾 Trailhead497
👀 Viewpoint23
💧 Waterfall21
🏕️ Wilderness2
🦅 Wildlife Refuge1
Explore MissoulaExplore Boulder
Moving to Missoula Guide →Moving to Boulder Guide →
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