Columbia Falls, MT vs Helena Valley West Central, MT

Columbia Falls is moderately more affordable than Helena Valley West Central, with a 7% lower cost of living index. Columbia Falls scores 91 compared to 98 for Helena Valley West Central, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Helena Valley West Central can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Columbia Falls is $1,003/month compared to $1,225/month in Helena Valley West Central — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Columbia Falls is more affordable at $346,700 median vs $352,800.

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $89,040 in Helena Valley West Central (-26.6%). While Helena Valley West Central is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia Falls spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Helena Valley West Central.