Great Falls, MT vs Kalispell, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Great Falls is 17.3% cheaper than Kalispell. With a cost index of 78 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Great Falls to Kalispell should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Great Falls is $866/month compared to $1,019/month in Kalispell — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Great Falls is more affordable at $237,400 median vs $381,400.

Median household income in Great Falls is $63,934 compared to $61,590 in Kalispell (+3.8%). Great Falls offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Great Falls spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.9% in Kalispell.

Climate-wise, Great Falls is notably warmer with an average of 44.6°F compared to 39.5°F in Kalispell. Kalispell receives more rainfall at 26.1" per year compared to 14.8" in Great Falls.