Colstrip, MT vs Fairfield, MT

Colstrip, MT and Fairfield, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.4% difference in their overall index. Colstrip scores 68 while Fairfield scores 70 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Colstrip is $632/month compared to $683/month in Fairfield — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $203,000.

Median household income in Colstrip is $86,000 compared to $66,544 in Fairfield (+29.2%). 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 12.3% in Fairfield.