Columbia Falls, MT vs Miles City, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Miles City is 20.6% cheaper than Columbia Falls. With a cost index of 76 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Miles City to Columbia Falls should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Columbia Falls is $1,003/month compared to $932/month in Miles City — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Miles City is more affordable at $182,700 median vs $346,700.

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $60,732 in Miles City (+7.5%). 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, less than the 18.4% in Miles City.