Is $40k/yr enough for Missoula? (insurance, houses, unemployment)

[MTBS]

I have lived in the Missoula area most my life. I am now looking for other options. Msla Is a nice place but it won't matter what part of MT you live in. This state will drain everything you have!!! You have one life, don't wast it dreaming of making it in a place that it won't happen. Don't mean to bring hopes down but just being honest. If you aren't born into it here, you will not make it. Please listen. I have seen it know matter what you make or what you do for work in Mt. It's a razor's edge with no back ups. You make nothing here and homes are as much as California. I say if you cant pull $80k+ here you will be out of here in less than 5yrs. I see it all the time! I have family homes here and it's the only way I have made it this long. Try down south. I see the price of homes are CHEEP and more cities to work out of than putting all your eggs in one basket in Msla. Don't belive me on Mt? Move here, loose your savings, your youth, and even your wife if you live here. The wife part is true, Hard times here and ALOT of guy's who don't care if she is married. Good luck to you and your family! Don't make the MT Mistake like so many others!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The state has no intrest in providing jobs that will support life here.

[Sabinerose]

^Bitter much?!^

[flyingcat2k]

Maybe you should move to the eastern half, which is the half that actually has a working economy. The western half is full of Californians, trust fund babies (particularly in Bozeman) and other assorted economic black holes. I lived just fine on 40k in Billngs and had a lot of fun doing it.

[GLS]

Originally Posted by AUS729

What about $50k? If I took a second job

Only you and your wife can determine if you have the mental toughness to struggle, and whether the benefits of the job and location are worth the sacrifice. However, with "a baby on the way" your relationships dynamics will change. This is not a negative criticism, it is just fact. Taking a second job when your wife needs you more and you want to spend time with your child, may have hidden "costs". Good luck in whatever you decide.

[bongo403]

Originally Posted by flyingcat2k

The western half is full of Californians, trust fund babies (particularly in Bozeman) and other assorted economic black holes.

I thought Missoula was the trust fund babies haven...

Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I feel the need to weigh in after reading MTBS's post.

While it's true that our economy isn't great, wages are low and housing not exactly cheap (or cheep), I don't see the picture nearly as bleak as MTBS does. It takes a certain type of personality to be happy in Montana, but for those who fit the type, the benefits of living here balance out all the negatives.

$40K probably isn't enough to buy a house on unless you have a big savings account for a down payment, but it's still a pretty good starting wage for Missoula. Is this the type of job where you would likely get salary increases after the first few years? Are the benefits good? If yes to either, you're off to a good start.

If you're looking for a low-key, comfortable but basic lifestyle and you're good at budgeting and watching your money, you'll do fine. I know a lot of people who are perfectly comfortable and happy in the Missoula area in similar salaries. If you like extravagances, the "best money can buy", or if you aren't good at tracking your expenses and budgeting, it will be a lot tougher.

One thing that's nice about the Missoua area is there is always somethinig to do, for little or no cost. The outdoors is always there, and it doesn't cost a dime to go on a hike, bike ride, river float, snowshoing, watch a sunset, etc. So if you're outdoorsy, it's a big plus. Downtown Missoula always has stuff going on too, especially in the summer - farmer's market, River Roots festival, Out to Lunch, First Friday's - all things you can enjoy without spending anything, or just a little.

So don't get discouraged by other posts - if the Montana lifestyle sounds like something that you would like, it's definitely possible to be happy here - just think over your priorities realistically.

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by MTBS

I have lived in the Missoula area most my life. I am now looking for other options. Msla Is a nice place but it won't matter what part of MT you live in. This state will drain everything you have!!! You have one life, don't wast it dreaming of making it in a place that it won't happen. Don't mean to bring hopes down but just being honest. If you aren't born into it here, you will not make it. Please listen. I have seen it know matter what you make or what you do for work in Mt. It's a razor's edge with no back ups. You make nothing here and homes are as much as California. I say if you cant pull $80k+ here you will be out of here in less than 5yrs. I see it all the time! I have family homes here and it's the only way I have made it this long. Try down south. I see the price of homes are CHEEP and more cities to work out of than putting all your eggs in one basket in Msla. Don't belive me on Mt? Move here, loose your savings, your youth, and even your wife if you live here. The wife part is true, Hard times here and ALOT of guy's who don't care if she is married. Good luck to you and your family! Don't make the MT Mistake like so many others!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The state has no intrest in providing jobs that will support life here.

........ahhhh, come on now MTBS, Tell us how you "REALLY" feel about Missoula and Montana....... Enough of this "sugar-coating" & "positive hype".....Lets hear your "real feelings".

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by flyingcat2k

Maybe you should move to the eastern half, which is the half that actually has a working economy. The western half is full of Californians, trust fund babies (particularly in Bozeman) and other assorted economic black holes. I lived just fine on 40k in Billngs and had a lot of fun doing it.

This is really something to consider. Billings may not have the scenery that Missoula has, but it does have much of the same shopping and much of the same restaurants that Missoula. It also tends to have a milder climate. You also don't have the major university (not sure if that's good or bad in your mind). You are also a little less than three hours from the northeast entrance to Yellowstone on a very scenic drive.

[Vegabern]

I wouldn't want to raise a family in Missoula on $40-50k a year. Not the way that I personally prefer to raise a family anyway.

[Geauga John]

Originally Posted by MTBS

The state has no intrest in providing jobs that will support life here.

I'll be moving from Ohio to Conner, Mt. next year. I have no intention of expecting the state of Montana, nor any state for that matter, to "provide" me a job. That's one of the reasons I'm leaving Ohio...too many folks expecting too much.

Create a job, or volunteer to work for nothing until you prove that you are worth it. Or...move to Ohio, they give everything away here!

[jasper12]

40k is a good salary for Wolf Point, Glasgow, Havre, Malta, Cut Bank, Glendive...

Missoula? Only if your wife works, and you have parents who help you out.