Cost of Living in Columbia Falls, MT

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4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Columbia Falls Montana National
Cost of living104102100
Groceries105103100
Health care103102100
Housing110101100
Transportation98100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare101102100
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Homes For Sale In Columbia Falls, MT

property for sale

136 Mountain Timbers Dr

Columbia Falls, MT
property for sale

4700 Blankenship Rd

Columbia Falls, MT
property for sale

104 2nd Ave W

Columbia Falls, MT
property for sale

1255 Frontage Rd #18

Columbia Falls, MT

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Columbia Falls is 2% higher than the Montana average
  • The cost of living in Columbia Falls is 4% higher than the national average
  • Columbia Falls housing is 10% higher than the national average
  • Montana general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Montana state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Columbia Falls

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Compare Columbia Falls, MT Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$91,683$7,640$2,139$2,751
      Renters$29,232$2,436$682$877
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Columbia Falls, MT, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Columbia Falls have a median income of $91,683. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,139 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $29,232, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $682.

      Montana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Montana 0% 0%

      Montana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Montana 1% 6.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hungry Horse, MT6698713.1%
      Martin City, MT3778910.8%
      Batavia, MT495982.2%
      Coram, MT3101032.5%
      Evergreen, MT8,6601076.7%
      Columbia Falls, MT5,8541044.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stirling-Rawdon, ON5,854n/a 
      Estherville, IA5,8538613.6%
      Bay Roberts, NL5,853n/a 
      Webster, NY5,8561055.5%
      Keyes, CA5,85111818.2%
      Columbia Falls, MT5,8541044.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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