Salary Needed to Live in Billings as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $52,553/year to live comfortably in Billings, MT, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $52,553/year to live comfortably in Billings, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $48,953/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,146.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,978/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,379/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$52,553
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$48,953
$4,079/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,978
19% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Billings
| Expense | Billings | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $854 | $1,448 | -41% |
| Groceries | $196 | $189 | +4% |
| Utilities | $157 | $183 | -14% |
| Transportation | $228 | $211 | +8% |
| Car Insurance | $132 | $215 | -39% |
| Health Insurance | $672 | $642 | +5% |
| Medicare Supplement | $192 | $200 | -4% |
| Prescription Drugs | $144 | $150 | -4% |
| Internet + Phone | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Recreation & Social | $192 | $200 | -4% |
| Home Maintenance | $96 | $100 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $2,978 | $3,658 | -19% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,978
Target savings (5%):$168/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,146
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$52,553
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$854
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$168/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
96/100
Billings is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $854/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $739/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $48,953/year as the survival floor and $52,553/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Billings
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Billings?
A retiree needs approximately $52,553/year ($4,379/month gross) to live comfortably in Billings with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Billings?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Billings costs approximately $854/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Billings affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Billings is 19% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.