Colstrip, MT vs Lincoln, MT

Colstrip is moderately more affordable than Lincoln, with a 14.2% lower cost of living index. Colstrip scores 68 compared to 79 for Lincoln, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lincoln can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Colstrip is $632/month compared to $764/month in Lincoln — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $286,200.

Median household income in Colstrip is $86,000 compared to $45,912 in Lincoln (+87.3%). 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 20% in Lincoln.