Chester, MT vs Columbus, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chester is 19.4% cheaper than Columbus. With a cost index of 66 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chester to Columbus should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chester is $662/month compared to $926/month in Columbus — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chester is more affordable at $156,900 median vs $264,000.

Median household income in Chester is $53,583 compared to $62,500 in Columbus (-14.3%). The higher salaries in Columbus partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chester spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Columbus.