Direct Answer
Billings, MT has a CostOfCity index of 96, which is 4% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,138/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,658/month.
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Cost of Living in Billings: The Full Picture
How does Billings compare to the rest of America? With a population of 120,000 and an economy built on an emerging tech satellite where companies establish remote-friendly offices at a fraction of Bay Area costs, this MT smaller city has a cost profile that's distinctly its own. Farm-to-table dining and a health-conscious culture where premium grocery and fitness options are easy to find. The 62 categories below translate these broad dynamics into specific dollar figures you can plan around.
Billings Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Billings cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Billings has a state-capital economy where government employment provides a stable floor beneath private-sector volatility
The housing market features a balanced market where patient buyers find deals and sellers price realistically
Mild temperatures keep utility costs moderate, but the high cost of environmental compliance adds to construction and renovation budgets.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Farm-to-table dining and a health-conscious culture where premium grocery and fitness options are easy to find..
Billings's cost index of 96 puts it right near the national average — a balanced market where you get a fair deal on most categories without sticker shock.
💰 Purchasing Power in Billings
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Billings, your dollar buys 4% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Billings Costs More
🔽 Where Billings Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Billings
What it actually costs to live in Billings each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Billings's cost index of 96 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Within Billings, costs can vary by 25-40% depending on the neighborhood. Downtown and waterfront areas typically command the highest premiums, while suburbs provide genuine savings, often 15-20% below the metro average.
Billings vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Billings
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-17%HVAC Installation
+10%Plumbing Services
+10%Electrical Work
-21%Kitchen Remodel
-13%Bathroom Remodel
0%House Painting
+1%Flooring Installation
+7%Landscaping
-1%Fence Installation
+13%Window Replacement
-12%Solar Panel Installation
+7%Water Heater Replacement
-3%Deck Building
-1%Pool Installation
-15%Tree Removal
+12%Garage Door Repair
-21%💼 Business Startup Costs in Billings
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-20%Start a Coffee Shop
+14%Start a Food Truck
+9%Start a Gym
+9%Start a Daycare
+3%Start a Hair Salon
0%Start a Laundromat
-1%Start a Bakery
-20%Start a Bar
-15%Start a Cleaning Business
-24%Start an Airbnb
-12%Start a Trucking Business
+8%📊 Cost of Living in Billings
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-9%Rent Prices
-19%Grocery Costs
-13%Utility Costs
-3%Transportation Costs
+14%Childcare Costs
-4%Gym Membership
-15%🛡️ Insurance in Billings
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-24%Home Insurance
-9%Health Insurance
+12%Business Insurance
-31%Life Insurance
+10%Renters Insurance
-4%Pet Insurance
+9%Dental Insurance
-21%Motorcycle Insurance
-20%⚖️ Legal Services in Billings
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+12%Divorce Lawyer
-6%DUI Lawyer
-16%Immigration Lawyer
+19%Estate Planning Lawyer
+14%Workers Comp Lawyer
-24%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+14%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Billings
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+18%Registered Nurse Salary
+19%Teacher Salary
-6%Electrician Salary
+9%Plumber Salary
+2%Accountant Salary
+25%Physical Therapist Salary
-7%Police Officer Salary
-21%Dentist Salary
+1%Real Estate Agent Salary
+29%How Much Income Do You Need in Billings?
✅ Best For
- Small business founders
- Young professionals starting out
- Families seeking work-life balance
- Outdoor enthusiasts
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in niche industries with few local employers
- Those seeking big-city nightlife
Research Billings's neighborhoods carefully — costs can vary by 20-40% within the metro area. The most popular areas are affordable enough that location flexibility is a real advantage.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Billings
Is Billings a good place to start a business?
Billings's business environment is shaped by MT's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
How does Billings compare to other cities in MT?
Within Montana, Billings has a cost index of 96. Nearby options include Helena and Great Falls, which offer useful comparison points.
What are the most expensive cost categories in Billings?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Billings, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by western climate conditions and state regulations.
Explore Billings in Depth
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Compare Billings Costs Nationally
See how Billings ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Billings cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Billings, MT
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- → Living alone in Billings: solo budget