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Montana’s Hidden Cost of Living | Missoula News
In Montana, even earning a “living wage” of $23–$28 an hour in cities like Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman barely covers rent, food, utilities, and other essentials—leaving little room for savings or unexpected costs. As prices rise and wages lag, many fall into the “missing middle”: earning too much for government aid like SNAP but too little to afford basic needs. Food banks report families now visiting more frequently, despite declining SNAP participation, revealing hidden desperation. Costs vary wildly by city and household size, making financial survival a patchwork struggle across the…
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