Moving from Lakeland to Billings (2026)
Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 87 for Lakeland (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Billings to match your Lakeland lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Lakeland | Equivalent in Billings |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,920 |
| $50K | $51,149 |
| $60K | $61,379 |
| $75K | $76,724 |
| $80K | $81,839 |
| $100K | $102,299 |
| $120K | $122,759 |
| $150K | $153,448 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Lakeland vs Billings
| Expense | Lakeland | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,316 |
| 1BR rent | $1,450 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $361 | $369 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $195 | $148 |
| Internet | $62 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,628 | $2,489 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Billings cheaper than Lakeland?
No. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 87 for Lakeland (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Lakeland to Billings?
On a $75K salary, moving from Lakeland to Billings could save roughly $286/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,432/year.
What salary do I need in Billings to match my Lakeland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lakeland, you'd need roughly $76,724/year in Billings. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only