Belgrade, MT vs Columbia Falls, MT

The cost of living difference between Belgrade, MT and Columbia Falls, MT is dramatic. Columbia Falls is 32.5% cheaper than Belgrade, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Belgrade has a cost index of 121 while Columbia Falls sits at 91, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Belgrade is $1,582/month compared to $1,003/month in Columbia Falls — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Columbia Falls is more affordable at $346,700 median vs $469,600.

Median household income in Belgrade is $88,896 compared to $65,313 in Columbia Falls (+36.1%). While Belgrade is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Belgrade spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Columbia Falls.