City Comparison
Kalispell vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kalispell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kalispell
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kalispell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Kalispell | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,450 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $400 | -56% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,415 | $2,570 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 10% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kalispell is estimated at
$52,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Kalispell | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,769 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kalispell runs warmer on average — a 45.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kalispell comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kalispell sees 50.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kalispell | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 45.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 50.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Kalispell scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kalispell leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kalispell | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Kalispell.
From a growth perspective, Kalispell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kalispell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kalispell | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,500 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 5.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kalispell
Advantages
Unmatched proximity to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake providing world-class outdoor recreation
Robust regional healthcare sector anchored by Logan Health offering advanced medical services
Thriving historic downtown area featuring local boutiques, craft breweries, and community events
Strong sense of community and a family-friendly environment with scenic mountain views
Growing local economy supported by tourism, manufacturing, and professional services
Drawbacks
Substantial housing price appreciation and rental cost increases driven by high migration rates
High reliance on automobiles with limited public transit options across the wider valley
Cold, snowy winter conditions that require preparation and adaptation for residents
Seasonal traffic congestion along major thoroughfares during peak summer tourism months
Limited inventory in the local real estate market making housing acquisition competitive
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kalispell
#241Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
45.50°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
78
Business
70
Grants Pass
#584Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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