Columbia Falls, MT vs Montana City, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Columbia Falls is 17.9% cheaper than Montana City. With a cost index of 91 vs 111, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Columbia Falls to Montana City should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Columbia Falls is $1,003/month compared to $1,206/month in Montana City — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Columbia Falls is more affordable at $346,700 median vs $519,100.

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $125,223 in Montana City (-47.8%). While Montana City 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 11.6% in Montana City.