Colstrip, MT vs Orchard Homes, MT

The cost of living difference between Colstrip, MT and Orchard Homes, MT is dramatic. Colstrip is 32.9% cheaper than Orchard Homes, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Colstrip has a cost index of 68 while Orchard Homes sits at 101, 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 $962/month in Orchard Homes — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $473,100.

Median household income in Colstrip is $86,000 compared to $68,649 in Orchard Homes (+25.3%). 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 16.8% in Orchard Homes.