Can I Afford to Live in Billings vs Lubbock on $75K?

Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Billings, MT
$4,316/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (28% of take-home)
Comfortable
Lubbock, TX
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $1,000/mo (21% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Share on X

Monthly budget breakdown

Billings
MT
Lubbock
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,316
$4,741Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,200
$1,000Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$369
$346Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$42
$38Best ✓
Utilities
$148Best ✓
$172
Internet
$68
$58Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,489/month
$3,127/month
Lubbock (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Billings (MT rate: 6.8%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $75K a good salary in Billings?

At $75K/year in Billings, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,316. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Is $75K a good salary in Lubbock?

At $75K/year in Lubbock, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $1,000/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?

Lubbock leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,127/month vs $2,489/month in Billings.

Can I afford to live alone in Billings on $75K?

Yes. At $75K in Billings, rent takes 28% of your take-home, leaving $2,489/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Billings vs Lubbock

$40K$50K$60K$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