Colstrip, MT vs Columbia Falls, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Colstrip is 26% cheaper than Columbia Falls. With a cost index of 68 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Colstrip to Columbia Falls should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Colstrip is $632/month compared to $1,003/month in Columbia Falls — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $346,700.

Median household income in Colstrip is $86,000 compared to $65,313 in Columbia Falls (+31.7%). Colstrip offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Colstrip spend roughly 8.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Columbia Falls.