Billings Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Billings: The Data Profile (2026)

Billings presents a compelling economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 120,874, it operates as a compact regional hub rather than a sprawling metro. The statistical target demographic is the "cost-conscious hybrid professional"—individuals earning slightly below the national median who leverage remote work to maximize purchasing power. While the median income sits at $67,028 (-10.1% vs. US average of $74,580), the population is surprisingly educated, with 34.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher (US avg: 33.1%). This suggests a workforce capable of commanding remote salaries, effectively arbitraging the local economy.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary driver for relocation to Billings is the aggregate reduction in operating expenses. Every major category, from housing to utilities, trades below the national baseline. The most significant deviation is in energy costs, where electricity averages $0.1266 per kWh compared to the US average of $0.160.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $67,028 takes home approximately $4,150 monthly (after conservative tax estimation). With a total cost of living of $2,280, the theoretical disposable income is $1,870. This is 28% higher than the disposable income available to the average American earner relative to their costs, providing a significant buffer against inflation.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Billings is defined by accessibility. The "Rent vs. Buy" gap is narrowing, but renting remains a viable entry point. The median home price is approximately 1.9x the median household income, a historically healthy ratio that contrasts sharply with the 3.2x national average.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Recommendation:
Buying is mathematically advantageous in Billings for those planning a stay of 5+ years. With a median home price of $325,000, a 20% down payment yields a mortgage payment significantly lower than the opportunity cost of renting a comparable 3BR unit ($1,750/mo). However, for the remote worker requiring flexibility to relocate quickly for career changes, renting the 1BR option at $1,100/mo preserves capital liquidity.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Billings is robust, driven by the healthcare, energy, and agricultural sectors. The 3.3% unemployment rate is a critical data point, sitting well below the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market for local roles.

RTO and Commute:
Post-2023 remote work trends have solidified in Billings. Only 18% of the workforce commutes to a traditional central business district daily. The average commute time has dropped to 17.5 minutes, saving the average worker approximately 65 hours annually in transit time compared to the national average of 28 minutes. This "time dividend" is a major quality-of-life factor.

Quality of Life Audit

Billings offers a mixed bag of health metrics. While the aggregate Health Score is 80.8/100, the obesity rate is a concerning 33.9%, which is 2.0% higher than the national average. Conversely, air quality is exceptional.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Safety metrics in Billings are statistically "Average" but require context. Violent crime is recorded at 470 incidents per 100k people (US avg: 380), while property crime is 2,457 per 100k (US avg: 2,000). Residents should practice standard urban precautions.
Air quality is a standout feature. With an AQI of 39 and PM2.5 levels of 5.1 µg/m³, the air is significantly cleaner than the US average, a massive benefit for respiratory health.

Weather Summary:
Billings features a semi-arid climate. The current temperature of 37.0°F with a high of 52°F is typical for the shoulder season. Residents experience roughly 205 sunny days per year, significantly above the national average.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Cost Efficiency: An aggregate cost of living index of 92.0 allows median earners to live significantly above their means.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 39 is a top-tier metric for health and longevity.
• Labor Market: A 3.3% unemployment rate ensures economic stability.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $67,028, which is $7,552 below the national average, potentially capping wealth accumulation for purely local employment.
• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 33.9% suggests a community culture that may be difficult to navigate for health-focused individuals.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is a Buy for remote workers earning $80,000+ annually. The arbitrage opportunity is high. It is a Rent for local job seekers who prioritize low unemployment over high wages.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Billings?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 is sufficient to cover the $2,280 monthly budget and maintain savings. For a family, $95,000 is the recommended threshold.

2. How does the value proposition compare to larger metros?
Compared to a city like Denver (COL Index 120.0), Billings offers a 23% discount on daily expenses while offering a 17.5-minute commute versus Denver's 29-minute average.

3. Are the crime statistics dangerous?
The violent crime rate is 470/100k. While 23.7% higher than the national average, it is concentrated in specific neighborhoods. This is statistically "Average" compared to similar-sized cities, not "High Risk."

4. Is now the right time to buy a home?
With a median home price of $325,000 and interest rates stabilizing in 2026, buying is favorable. The housing index of 92.0 suggests the market is undervalued relative to the broader US economy.