Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Billings, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.7% of gross income.
Billings rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Billings, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Billings
View full rent data for Billings, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Billings, MT?
Median rent in Billings is $1,458 a month. A typical firefighter in Montana earns about $55,273 a year, which makes that rent 31.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Billings?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Montana (~$55,273/yr) supports up to $1,382 a month in rent. Billings's current median rent is $1,458/mo, which is $76/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Billings?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a firefighter in Montana works roughly 54.9 hours a month to cover Billings's median rent of $1,458.
Where is rent cheaper than Billings for a firefighter?
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 firefighter salary.