True Cost of Renting in Billings
Billings is Montana's largest city and regional commercial hub for eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. The city's economy is built on energy (Exxon and Phillips 66 refineries), healthcare (Billings Clinic, St Vincent Healthcare), and agriculture services. Rents are low by national standards but have risen 25–30% since 2020 with remote worker and oil sector demand.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Downtown Billings / South Side
- Studio:
- $800/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,050/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
Historic downtown along Montana Avenue; independent restaurants, the Billings Symphony, and walkable amenities. Mix of older apartment buildings and newer infill. NorthWestern Energy electric and natural gas. Winter heating at 3,100 ft elevation runs $130–170/mo.
West End / Rimrock
- 1 Bed:
- $1,100/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
Newer suburban development under the Rimrock cliffs west of Downtown; newer apartment complexes with modern amenities near Rimrock Mall. Car-dependent. Popular with healthcare workers at Billings Clinic and St Vincent Healthcare.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- NorthWestern Energy
- Water
- City of Billings Water
- Internet
- Spectrum, Midcontinent Communications, T-Mobile Home Internet
Commute & Transportation
I-90 and I-94 intersect at Billings, making it the regional highway hub for eastern Montana. The refinery complex and agricultural equipment businesses are the primary industrial employers. Billings Clinic and St Vincent are major healthcare anchors. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) connects to major hubs. There is no public transit — a car is essential.
Rental Market Overview
Billings remains one of the Mountain West's most affordable larger cities. NorthWestern Energy rates are moderate but Montana winters are serious — budget $130–170/month for heating from October through March. Refinery employment cycles have historically created boom-bust rental patterns, but healthcare and services employment has diversified the economy. New apartment supply has been limited, keeping vacancy rates low. Renters insurance averages $12–15/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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