Can I Afford to Live in Billings vs Mexico City on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Billings, MT
$8,094/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (15% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Mexico City, MX
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (8% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Billings
MT
Mexico City
MX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,094
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,200
$700Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$369Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$42Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$148
$55Best ✓
Internet
$68
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$6,267/month
$7,634/month
Mexico City (CDMX) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Billings (MT rate: 6.8%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Billings?

At $150K/year in Billings, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,094. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Mexico City?

At $150K/year in Mexico City, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 8% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Mexico City leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,634/month vs $6,267/month in Billings.

Can I afford to live alone in Billings on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Billings, rent takes 15% of your take-home, leaving $6,267/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Billings vs Mexico City

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

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