Lima vs Billings for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Adjust income → set household → see a meaningful swing to unlock all three.
Estimated annual swing
+$14,556/yr
Favoring Lima for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $1,213/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~13 months and still keep ~$146/mo for dining out.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Lima Lima Province | Billings Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $370Better | $950 |
| 2BR rent / month | $800Better | $1,600 |
| Median home price | — | $320K |
| Median household income | — | $60K |
| Est. childcare / month | $520Better | $1,157 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 6.8% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 18% | 0%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $55Better | $148 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | 97 |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Tax savings
Lima saves ~$680/mo in taxes
Redirect those extra take-home dollars to a cash-back card — groceries, gas, and dining all earn rewards.
Housing savings
Lima saves ~$800/mo in rent
Whether you rent or buy, make sure your home and belongings are covered with the right plan.
Childcare savings
Lima saves ~$7,644/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 Billings
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 Billings 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 — Lima or Billings?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Lima scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $800/mo in Lima vs $1,600/mo. Lima is approximately 55% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Lima vs Billings?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $800/month in Lima and $1,600/month in Billings. Lima is 50% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Lima or Billings?
Home price and income data is not available for one or both cities.
How much does childcare cost in Lima vs Billings?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $520/month in Lima and $1,157/month in Billings, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$7,644/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Lima (Lima Province) has no state income tax vs Billings's 6.8% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $680/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Lima has the same purchasing power as $223K in Billings
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026