Bozeman VS Missoula: Which Town Is Best To Call Home?

If you live in Montana, have ever visited Montana, or know where Montana is on the map, chances are, you've heard of Cat/Griz.

The rivalry isn't just about sports or the two schools. No, it's much deeper than that; it's about two towns that don't like each other in many ways. When I first moved to Montana years ago, I worked in Missoula. I spent a few years there, and it's a lovely town with nice people.

Missoula has a great social scene, there's plenty to do, and of course, it's home to the University of Montana. There are great restaurants and bars, and for those who enjoy a more "hippie" vibe, Missoula might just be the town for you.

Next up is the place I call home, Bozeman. Bozeman, at one point, was the fastest-growing town in the country. It seemed for a couple of years that everyone and their brother wanted to live in Bozeman. Now, to say that the town has changed over the years would be a bit of an understatement.

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What was once a town known for cowboys and rodeo and become an eclectic place with high-end stores that cater to the rich and famous who live in and around Big Sky.

I love living in Bozeman. Not only do we have Montana State University, but we're surrounded by tons of outdoor activities, and we're just a short drive to America's oldest National Park.

Both towns are desirable places to live, but which one is the best? Before we break it down, let's check out Montana's 6 Most Beautiful Places

Bozeman VS Missoula, which is better?

Cost of Living: Neither town is cheap; however, if you are looking at housing, Missoula has the edge when it comes to home prices and rent. As far as the rest is concerned, groceries, utilities, etc., it's pretty much a wash. So, for cost of living, Missoula is the winner. 

Quality of Education: We mentioned that both cities were "college towns." However, Bozeman has had the distinction of being voted best college town 2 years in a row by a national publication, and as far as elementary and secondary schools go, Bozeman takes the prize there as well. So, for quality of education, Bozeman is the winner.

Social Scene: Both towns are social and provide plenty to do. For those who are of age, you will find a wide selection of places to enjoy a drink or two in both cities. They both have fantastic places to eat, they both have plenty of access to outdoor adventure, and they both offer activities for families. So, when it comes to the social scene, this is a wash, and we have a tie.

Finally, Crime: While crime has risen in both cities over the years, especially with an increase of transplants and homeless folk, when you break it down, it seems that Bozeman is the safer of the two. Missoula has a higher rate of criminal activity, so when it comes to crime, Bozeman is the winner.

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For those keeping score, the final score is Bozeman 2 and Missoula 1, with both cities tying for social activity. So, which town is better of the two? While that is a personal preference, according to the math, the winner is Bozeman.