Affiliated Mortgage LLC: Billings, Montana Cost of Living 2020

Billings is the largest city in the US state of Montana, with an estimated population of 109,577 as per the population census of 2019. Billings is a perfect blend of culture and history with plenty of sites for outdoor adventures, and the 23rd most expensive city to live in.

The cost of living is basically the cost of maintaining a certain standard of living. In the United States, the cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. So, any value below 100 indicates that Billings is cheaper than the US average and the cost of living index above 100 indicates that Billings is more expensive than the average American city. A cost of living index of 94.9 indicates that Billings, Montana is relatively cheaper to live in than any other US city.

What is the average cost of living in Billings, Montana?

The average income of a Billings resident is $28,364 a year, which is approximately $190 less than that of an average US citizen residing elsewhere and the median household income per year is estimated at $49,265. Over the years, the job market diminished in Billings, as a result, the cost of living has increased, with housing being the biggest factor in the cost of living difference- the median home price in Billings is around $230,000.

Cost of Living

The table below compares the cost of living in Billings with the rest of Montana:

COST OF LIVING	Billings	Montana	USA
Overall	94.9	94	100
Grocery	101.3	99.6	100
Health	96.7	100.2	100
Housing	99.7	100.4	100
Median Home Cost	$230,500	$232,100	100
Utilities	95.6	90.7	100
Transportation	75.2	75.2	100
Miscellaneous	102	98	100

While the overall cost of living in Billings is higher than the rest of Montana, health and housing are relatively cheaper.

Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

Median Income	Per Year	Per Month	Max Budget (28% DTI)	Max Budget (36% DTI)
Owners	$67,942	$5,662	$1,585	$2,038
Renters	$33,940	$2,828	$792	$1,018

For homeowners, Billings has a median income of about $67,942, so according to this approximately $1,585 should be spent on expenses related to housing. The median income of renters is slightly higher than that of owners, so according to that value, renters should spend no more than $792 on all rental costs for the ideal standard of living.

Comparing Billings, Montana with Denver, Colorado

Cost of Living Indexes	Billings, MT	Denver, CO	Difference
Overall Index:	94.9	128.7	35.6% +
Food & Groceries	101.3	101.9	0.6% +
Housing	99.7	184.3	84.9% +
Median Home Cost	$230,500	$426,200	$195,700
Utilities	95.6	96.2	0.6% +
Transportation	75.2	116.1	54.4% +
Health	96.7	92.5	4.3% –
Miscellaneous	102	102.8	0.8% +

The table above shows that Denver is 35.6% more expensive than Billings in terms of the cost of living. Housing is also the largest factor in determining the living cost in Denver, and the difference of median home costs is very large between the two cities, residing at $195,700. This means that the cost of living in terms of housing is approximately 85% more expensive in Denver than it is in Billings.

Even though the cost of living in Billings is relatively higher than the cost of living in the rest of Montana, Billings is relatively cheaper than the rest of the country.

Looking to purchase your new home in Billings, MT? Affiliated Mortgage is rated amongst the most trusted mortgage lenders in Billings, MT, and the best home loan provider in Rapid City, SD. Contact one of our mortgage experts today and purchase your dream at the most affordable rates!