Can I Afford to Live in Billings vs West Palm Beach on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Billings MT | West Palm Beach FL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,754 | $6,321 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| Groceries (est.) | $369 | $403 |
| Transport (est.) | $42 | $112 |
| Utilities | $148 | $200 |
| Internet | $68 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $3,927/month | $3,136/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Billings?
At $100K/year in Billings, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,754. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $100K a good salary in West Palm Beach?
At $100K/year in West Palm Beach, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $2,400/month, rent takes up 38% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Billings leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,927/month vs $3,136/month in West Palm Beach.
Can I afford to live alone in Billings on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in Billings, rent takes 21% of your take-home, leaving $3,927/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
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