Billings vs Split for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
Slide to match your household — estimates combine take-home, rent, and groceries.
Adjust income → set household → see a meaningful swing to unlock all three.
Estimated annual swing
+$4,044/yr
Favoring Billings for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $337/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~45 months and still keep ~$40/mo for dining out.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Billings Montana | Split Split-Dalmatia County |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $950 | $500Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,600 | $1,100Better |
| Median home price | $320K | — |
| Median household income | $60K | — |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,157 | $715Better |
| State income tax | 6.8%Better | 20% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 0%Better | 25% |
| Monthly utilities | $148 | $80Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 97 | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Tax savings
Billings saves ~$1,320/mo in taxes
Redirect those extra take-home dollars to a cash-back card — groceries, gas, and dining all earn rewards.
Housing savings
Split saves ~$500/mo in rent
Whether you rent or buy, make sure your home and belongings are covered with the right plan.
Childcare savings
Split saves ~$5,304/yr on childcare
Put the difference to work in a high-yield savings account — it compounds fast over a few years.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Split
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Split homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Billings or Split?
Billings and Split are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Billings vs Split?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,600/month in Billings and $1,100/month in Split. Split is 31% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Billings or Split?
Home price and income data is not available for one or both cities.
How much does childcare cost in Billings vs Split?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,157/month in Billings and $715/month in Split, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$5,304/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Billings has a 6.8% state income tax rate vs Split's 20% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $1,320/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Billings has the same purchasing power as $62K in Split
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026