Cost of Living in Billings, MT [2024]

Billings, Montana, nestled against the backdrop of the captivating Yellowstone River Valley, is a city that entices with its outdoor adventures, friendly community, and a slower pace of life. But before you pack your bags for this scenic escape, it's important to consider the cost of living. This blog will be your one-stop guide to renting in Billings. We'll explore average rent prices for apartments and studios, unpack factors affecting affordability, and explore additional expenses renters can expect, from utilities to groceries.

By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what it costs to rent and live comfortably in this vibrant Montana city.

Cost of Living in Billings

What Is the Cost of Living in Billings, MT?

The cost of living in Billings is currently 5.4% lower than the average for the rest of the country, and also 5.4% lower than the rest of the state. Much of this is due to the lower cost of transportation and slightly lower cost of medical care, as we see below when we break down cost of living by different types of expenses.

How Much Is Rent in Billings, MT?

As of April 2024, the current average rent for a studio apartment in Billings is $799 a month.

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Billings, MT?

As of April 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Billings is $1,174 per month.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Billings, MT?

Median rent for two-bedroom apartments reached $1,423 in Billings as of April 2024.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Billings, ND?

One way to estimate salary is to use a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to live comfortably. Based on that, we estimate you should make around $47,000 a year to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Billings. This budgeting strategy would allow you to pay all your bills, have some spending for entertainment, and also be able to save.

MIT uses a more complex living wage calculation to estimate that you need a minimum of $43,404 to live in Billings. Such a budget would allow you to pay for bare essentials, but it does not leave room for things like savings.

How Much Are Utilities in Billings, MT?

The latest census data shows that renters in the state of Montana pay on average $215.41 per month for water, gas, electricity, and fuel. That's notably less than the $253.14 for the country overall.

How Much Is Child Care in Billings, MT?

Child care is an important factor contributing to cost of living in Billings. According to MIT, child care costs for a single child are $9,661 in Billings. That cost goes up to $19,323 for families with two children.

How Much Is Transportation in Billings, MT?

Transportation costs in Billings are slighthly high, likely due to the cost of maintaining your own vehicle. The average person will spend $10,545 on transportation according to MIT. They'll see that cost go up to $17,688 for a family of four.

In Billings, a car is considered the most common mode of transportation. The city is spread out, and having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for navigating errands, exploring the surrounding areas, and enjoying the beautiful Montana scenery. However, Billings also offers a public transportation option: MET Transit.

MET Transit operates a fixed-route bus system with routes covering most corners of the city. It boasts two central hubs, the Downtown and Stewart Park Transit Centers, allowing for easy transfers between lines. Fares are affordable, with a single ride costing around $1.50. MET Transit offers discounts for seniors, students, and disabled riders. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option and live near a bus route, MET can be a dependable way to get around Billings. For exploring beyond the city limits or those seeking ultimate convenience, a car remains the preferred choice.

How Much Are Groceries in Billings, MT?

Numbeo estimates that for a 2400 calorie Western diet, you would pay around $367.67 for 31 days worth of food.

Billings Fitness & Health

Billings offers a variety of options for fitness and costs depend on the type of service or membership. For instance, Granite Health and Fitness (Granite Sport) is a full-service health club that offers a comprehensive range of amenities including cardio and weight training equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, and even a therapy clinic. They boast extensive hours, with some days opening as early as 4:30 am . Membership costs vary depending on the package you choose, but expect to pay somewhere in the range of $40-$70 per month.

On the other end of the spectrum, Planet Fitness offers a clean and judgement-free zone to work out in, with basic amenities like cardio equipment, free weights, and locker rooms. They famously advertise a starting rate of $10 per month, but keep in mind there might be an annual fee on top of that.

Find Your Next Apartment in Billings

Ready to plan your move to Montana? Why not start with building a great short list of apartments with ideal amenities in your price point and location. By taking our easy quiz, you'll not only be able to find matches for your ideal apartment, you can also flex your choices and explore different areas, price ranges, or amenities. Try it today!

FAQs about Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA

How Much Is Pet Care in Alexandria, VA?

Expect to pay an average of $102.63 to visit a veterinarian if you live in Alexandria, VA.

Is It Cheaper to Live in Arlington or Alexandria?

The cost of living in Alexandria is actually slightly lower (5%) than in Arlington. If you made $4,000 a month in Arlington, you would only need to make $3,819 to maintain your standard of living if you moved to Alexandria. Median rent in Arlington is $2,478 compared to Alexandria's $2,184.

Is Alexandria Cheaper than DC?

According to our estimates, cost of living in Alexandria is slightly lower (11%) than Washington DC. If you earned $4,000 a month in DC, you would only need to earn $3,558 to maintain the same standard of living in Alexandria. That being said, median rent in Alexandria stands at $2,184 whereas it's only $2,125 in DC.