Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Billings, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.6% of gross income.
Billings rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Billings, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Billings
View full rent data for Billings, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Billings, MT?
Median rent in Billings is $1,458 a month. A typical carpenter in Montana earns about $53,627 a year, which makes that rent 32.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Billings?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Montana (~$53,627/yr) supports up to $1,341 a month in rent. Billings's current median rent is $1,458/mo, which is $117/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Billings?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a carpenter in Montana works roughly 56.6 hours a month to cover Billings's median rent of $1,458.
Where is rent cheaper than Billings for a carpenter?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Helena ($1,457/mo), Missoula ($1,456/mo), Missoula ($1,452/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.