Living Alone in Billings, MT: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Billings. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
B
$1,085/month
Billings is close to the national average for solo living costs.
$18,600
Minimum Salary Needed
$22,320
Comfortable Salary
$353
Essential Costs
$732
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Billings Look Like?
Billings is a mid-size city in the Western United States with a population of 119,510 and a median household income of $55,350. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $106/month, which accounts for 10% of your total monthly spend. Costs here track close to the national median, giving you a representative experience of typical American solo living expenses.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $106 | 10% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $18 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $29 | 3% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $132 | 12% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $56 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $62 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $73 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $240 | 22% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $144 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $77 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $91 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 4% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,085 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Billings?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Billings:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,382
monthly surplus
Save 56%
$50,000
gross annual
+$1,998
monthly surplus
Save 65%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,615
monthly surplus
Save 71%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,540
monthly surplus
Save 77%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,082
monthly surplus
Save 82%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,623
monthly surplus
Save 86%
Tips for Living Alone in Billings
- 💡 Housing: Billings's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $144/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a small-size city like Billings, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $96/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $56/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $22,320 salary, aim for $688 needs, $413 wants, $275 savings per month.
More Affordable Alternatives in the West
Explore More for Billings
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Billings?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Billings is $1,085, including $106 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$18 for groceries, and $12 for utilities. This is 4% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Billings?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $18,600 to cover basic living expenses alone in Billings. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $22,320.
Is Billings affordable for a single person?
Billings is roughly average for solo living costs, making it accessible for most single earners with a steady income of $18,600 or more.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Billings?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 10% of the total monthly budget at $106/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($29) and groceries ($18).