Colstrip, MT vs Gardiner, MT

The cost of living difference between Colstrip, MT and Gardiner, MT is dramatic. Colstrip is 36.6% cheaper than Gardiner, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Colstrip has a cost index of 68 while Gardiner sits at 107, 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 Colstrip is $632/month compared to $795/month in Gardiner — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $609,200.

Median household income in Colstrip is $86,000 compared to $57,835 in Gardiner (+48.7%). 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 16.5% in Gardiner.