Cost of Living in Billings, MT

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Billings? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,264 per year — combining federal taxes with Montana's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,417/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Billings metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $42,732, or roughly $3,561 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Billings metro has a cost of living index of 72.9 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 27% below the national average, Billings is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Billings represents approximately 24% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.