Colstrip, MT vs Polson, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Colstrip is 22.1% cheaper than Polson. With a cost index of 68 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Colstrip to Polson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Colstrip is $632/month compared to $921/month in Polson — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $321,000.

Median household income in Colstrip is $86,000 compared to $51,463 in Polson (+67.1%). 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 21.5% in Polson.