Can I Afford to Live in Billings vs Cebu City on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Billings, MT
$2,502/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (48% of take-home)
Difficult
Cebu City, PH
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $400/mo (15% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Billings
MT
Cebu City
PH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,502
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,200
$400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$369Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$42Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$148
$55Best ✓
Internet
$68
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$675/month
$1,718/month
Cebu City (Cebu) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Billings (MT rate: 6.8%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Billings?

At $40K/year in Billings, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,502. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 48% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Cebu City?

At $40K/year in Cebu City, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $400/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Cebu City leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,718/month vs $675/month in Billings.

Can I afford to live alone in Billings on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Billings would take 48% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Billings vs Cebu City

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only