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Cost of Living in Billings, MT (59111)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$16.46 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$68,448 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$7,023 / mo2.5x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Billings (59111)

Navigating the local economic landscape in Billings (59111) reveals an average baseline monthly living cost of approximately $2,852 for a single adult. This comprehensive benchmark reflects essential housing, nutrition, tax, and medical commitments.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $634 per month—just 22% of baseline expenses—Billings offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Montana.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Billings (59111) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,852/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $68,448 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.46/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Billings increase to $7,023 per month ($84,276/year)—approximately 2.5x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $79,544, local wages provide a 2.32x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $828 monthly in 59111, coupled with $341 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $449 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

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Total Monthly Cost$2,852Est. $34,228 / year
Housing / Rent$63422.2% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$272Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$79,544Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$634
Food$272
Transportation$828
Healthcare$341
Taxes$449
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Billings (59111)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Billings, MT (59111)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Billings (59111) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.46/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Billings (59111)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $68,448 to live comfortably in Billings (59111).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Billings (59111)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Billings (59111) are $7,023 per month ($84,276 per year).