Last checked October 29, 2026.
Billings, Montana’s largest city, needs about $46,700 a year for a single adult renting their own 1-bedroom; Laurel and Miles City cost less.
| Town | Census median rent, 1-bedroom | Income needed at Census rent | Income needed at current asking rents | Census median home value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles City | $669 | $34,424 | $37,312 | $200,200 |
| Laurel | $789 | $36,617 | $235,100 | |
| Billings | $907 | $38,774 | $46,744 | $343,400 |
Census figures: ACS 2020–2024, rent paid including utilities. Income needed: single adult, paid-off car, 10% saved, after taxes. See all towns for details.
Region notes
- Utilities: In Billings and Laurel, electricity comes from NorthWestern Energy and gas from Montana-Dakota Utilities. In Miles City, Montana-Dakota supplies both.
- Getting around: Billings MET Transit charges $2 a ride or $28 for 31 days. Billings Logan International is the region’s airport.