Salary Needed to Live in Billings as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $122,628/year to live comfortably in Billings, MT, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $122,628/year to live comfortably in Billings, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $97,430/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,243.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,927/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $10,219/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$122,628
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$97,430
$8,119/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,927
16% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Billings
| Expense | Billings | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,479 | $2,509 | -41% |
| Groceries | $547 | $528 | +4% |
| Utilities | $290 | $337 | -14% |
| Transportation | $570 | $526 | +8% |
| Car Insurance | $132 | $215 | -39% |
| Health Insurance | $672 | $642 | +5% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,152 | $1,200 | -4% |
| Internet + Phones | $173 | $180 | -4% |
| Children Activities | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Dining Out | $336 | $350 | -4% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $192 | $200 | -4% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $144 | $150 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $5,927 | $7,087 | -16% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,927
Target savings (15%):$1,316/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,243
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$122,628
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,479
3BR Apartment/House rent is 25% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,316/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 3br apartment/house housing near $1,479/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,237/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $97,430/year as the survival floor and $122,628/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Billings
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Billings?
A family with kids needs approximately $122,628/year ($10,219/month gross) to live comfortably in Billings with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Billings?
A 3br apartment/house in Billings costs approximately $1,479/month, which is the largest single expense at 25% of the total budget.
Is Billings affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Billings is 16% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.