Billings vs Philadelphia for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Billings, MT vs Philadelphia, PA.
- 2BR rent: $1,600/mo in Billings vs $2,600/mo — 38% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Philadelphia: $290K median vs $320K
- Higher median household income in Billings: $60K/yr vs $55K
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Billings Montana | Philadelphia Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,600Better | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $320K | $290KBetter |
| Median household income | $60KBetter | $55K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,157Better | $1,391 |
| State income tax | 6.8% | 3.1%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 0%Better | 8% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Billings or Philadelphia?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Billings scores slightly better for families overall. Billings has lower 2-bedroom rents, Philadelphia is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Billings vs Philadelphia?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,600/month in Billings and $2,600/month in Philadelphia. Billings is 38% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Billings or Philadelphia?
The price-to-income ratio in Billings is 5.3× ($320K home, $60K income) vs 5.3× in Philadelphia. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Philadelphia is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Billings vs Philadelphia?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,157/month in Billings and $1,391/month in Philadelphia. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Billings has a 6.8% state income tax rate vs Philadelphia's 3.1% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $222+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
See full side-by-side comparison
All cost categories including groceries, utilities, and leisure.