Cost of Living in Columbia Falls, MT

With a cost of living index of 91, Columbia Falls, MT is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 9% cheaper than the national average and 3% above the Montana state average of 89. Columbia Falls is a smaller community of 5,531 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Columbia Falls's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,003 (24% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $346,700 (14% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Columbia Falls is $65,313, which is 13% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.