Columbia Falls, MT vs Malta, MT

The cost of living difference between Columbia Falls, MT and Malta, MT is dramatic. Malta is 40.6% cheaper than Columbia Falls, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Columbia Falls has a cost index of 91 while Malta sits at 65, 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 Columbia Falls is $1,003/month compared to $693/month in Malta — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malta is more affordable at $139,000 median vs $346,700.

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $59,449 in Malta (+9.9%). Columbia Falls does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia Falls spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 14% in Malta.