Columbia Falls, MT vs Townsend, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Townsend is 15.3% cheaper than Columbia Falls. With a cost index of 79 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Townsend 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 $976/month in Townsend — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Townsend is more affordable at $212,800 median vs $346,700.

Median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313 compared to $70,774 in Townsend (-7.7%). Townsend offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia Falls spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Townsend.