Data updated Nov 13, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 78)
Billings sits in southern Montana at 952 m above sea level, on America's Denver clock, with an arid climate that brings dry summers and crisp winters. Around 117 thousand people live here, and newcomers tend to settle in Downtown Billings, West End, or Rimrock. The city's overall expat score of 78/100 reflects a place where English is widely spoken and the expat community is medium in size, so you can find familiar faces without losing the sense that you are somewhere new.
Rent shapes the budget more than anything else. A one-bedroom in the city center runs $1,245/mo, while the same outside the center drops to $945/mo. Three-bedroom units go for $2,080/mo in the center and $1,844/mo outside it. Beyond rent, a single person spends about $1,050/mo, and a family of four about $3,500/mo. Utilities average $173/mo, internet $84/mo, and a mobile plan $49/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $28/mo and a gym membership $48/mo. Meals out range from $26 per person at an inexpensive restaurant to $75 for a three-course mid-range meal for two, with a cappuccino at $6. Against those numbers, the average monthly net salary is $3,888/mo, and the cost of living index sits at 68/100 against New York City at 100. Budget tiers land at $1,118/mo, $1,790/mo, and $2,363/mo for a single adult with rent included.
Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 75/100 and a crime index of 25/100, where lower is safer. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, which matters in a city of this size. Air quality comes in at 68 on an index where lower is better, a figure to keep in mind during wildfire season across the arid West.
Getting here is straightforward through BIL, just 4 km from the city. Immigration pathways depend on your nationality and purpose, so check the categories that fit your situation before you commit. With a FIRE score of 69/100, a retiree score of 68/100, and a digital nomad score of 78/100, Billings suits remote workers, retirees seeking a slower pace, and anyone drawn to a mid-sized Western city where the numbers still leave room to save.
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Billings, MT at the budget tier comes to about $1,755 a month for one adult, with $1,072 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $181 on groceries, $104 on dining out, $64.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $306 on utilities and connectivity and $28.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,072/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$181/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$104/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$64.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$306/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$28.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Billings, MT at the mid-range tier comes to about $2,057 a month for one adult, with $1,072 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $241 on groceries, $260 on dining out, $150 on entertainment and lifestyle, $306 on utilities and connectivity and $28.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,072/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$241/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$260/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$150/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$306/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$28.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Billings, MT at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,526 a month for one adult, with $1,245 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $338 on groceries, $381 on dining out, $228 on entertainment and lifestyle, $306 on utilities and connectivity and $28.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,245/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$338/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$381/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$228/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$306/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$28.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1245/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Billings, MT's cost of living compares with Chester, CA
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Billings is a genuinely safe mid-sized city with a strong community feel. Walking around downtown and residential neighborhoods during the day is entirely normal, and evening walks are generally secure in most areas. The city's Safety Index of 75 reflects a low-crime environment typical of stable Montana communities. Expats will find the pace relaxed and predictable, with minimal street crime or harassment concerns.
Property crime (vehicle break-ins, package theft) occurs at typical small-city rates, particularly in parking lots and less-monitored areas. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft from vehicles is the primary concern—don't leave valuables visible. The downtown core and South Hills neighborhoods are well-maintained; avoid isolated areas after dark, though this is more precaution than necessity. Solo female travelers and expats face no unusual risks here.
Billings has stable local governance, reliable police services, and no significant political instability or corruption issues. The city is politically conservative but welcoming to newcomers. There are no geopolitical risks or protest-related safety concerns. For an American considering relocation, Billings offers genuine safety with a straightforward, predictable environment—ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking a quiet, secure base without the complications of larger urban centers.
Billings, MT has a safety index of 51.01/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Billings, MT's healthcare compares with Chester, CA
Billings has a semi-arid continental climate with hot, dry summers (June-August) and cold winters (December-February), featuring significant temperature swings and low precipitation year-round.
Indices last read Nov 13, 2026.
Billings offers a strong community of remote workers with great connectivity and amenities.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Montana Innovation Center | Located in downtown Billings, the Montana Innovation Center offers a collaborative environment with various membership options. It's a good option for those seeking a community-focused workspace and access to resources for startups and entrepreneurs. |
| Regus - Billings | Regus provides a professional and reliable coworking environment with flexible terms. Located in a central business district, it offers private offices and coworking spaces, suitable for those needing a more corporate setting. |
| The Office Hub | The Office Hub offers a range of office solutions including coworking spaces in Billings. They provide flexible terms and a professional environment, ideal for remote workers seeking a dedicated workspace. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Billings, MT's digital nomad life compares with Chester, CA
Billings is the largest city in Montana, a regional hub for energy, healthcare, and agriculture. It has a modest international community and benefits from being the most urban centre in a wide area.
Areas of Billings, MT that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Urban, lively, growing arts
Downtown is experiencing a revitalization with new restaurants, breweries, and art galleries. It's walkable and offers access to events and entertainment, but can be noisy and parking can be a challenge. Many young professionals and empty-nesters are drawn to the area.
Residential, family-friendly, convenient
The Heights is a large, established residential area with a mix of housing options. It's known for its good schools and proximity to shopping centers. While not particularly walkable, it offers easy access to the rest of the city by car.
Suburban, retail, newer development
The West End is a rapidly growing area with newer housing developments and plenty of retail options. It's car-dependent but offers a wide range of amenities. Families and those seeking a more suburban lifestyle are common here.
Historic, diverse, up-and-coming
The South Side is one of the oldest parts of Billings, with a mix of historic homes and more affordable housing. It's becoming increasingly popular with artists and young professionals. While it has some walkable areas, it's still largely car-dependent and has some pockets of higher crime.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1245/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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