Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Billings, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.8% of gross income.
Billings rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Billings, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Billings
View full rent data for Billings, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Billings, MT?
Median rent in Billings is $1,437 a month. A typical paramedic in Montana earns about $46,798 a year, which makes that rent 36.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Billings?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Montana (~$46,798/yr) supports up to $1,170 a month in rent. Billings's current median rent is $1,437/mo, which is $267/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Billings?
At an hourly equivalent of about $22 an hour, a paramedic in Montana works roughly 63.9 hours a month to cover Billings's median rent of $1,437.
Where is rent cheaper than Billings for a paramedic?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Missoula ($1,435/mo), Butte ($1,410/mo), Livingston ($1,406/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.