Columbia Falls, MT vs East Missoula, MT

Columbia Falls, MT and East Missoula, MT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.6% difference in their overall index. Columbia Falls scores 91 while East Missoula scores 91 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 Columbia Falls is $1,003/month compared to $1,039/month in East Missoula — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Columbia Falls has cheaper rent, East Missoula actually has lower median home values ($323,900 vs $346,700).

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $65,541 in East Missoula (-0.3%). East Missoula offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia Falls spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in East Missoula.