Columbia Falls, MT vs North Browning, MT

The cost of living difference between Columbia Falls, MT and North Browning, MT is dramatic. North Browning is 55.8% 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 North Browning sits at 59, 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 $505/month in North Browning — a 99% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: North Browning is more affordable at $131,300 median vs $346,700.

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $40,813 in North Browning (+60%). While Columbia Falls 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 14.8% in North Browning.