Savannah vs Billings for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Savannah, GA vs Billings, MT.
- 2BR rent: $1,600/mo in Billings vs $2,000/mo — 20% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Savannah: $310K median vs $320K
- Higher median household income in Billings: $60K/yr vs $55K
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Savannah Georgia | Billings Montana |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $2,000 | $1,600Better |
| Median home price | $310KBetter | $320K |
| Median household income | $55K | $60KBetter |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,196 | $1,157Better |
| State income tax | 5.5%Better | 6.8% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8% | 0%Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Savannah or Billings?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Billings scores slightly better for families overall. Billings has lower 2-bedroom rents, Savannah is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Savannah vs Billings?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,000/month in Savannah and $1,600/month in Billings. Billings is 20% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Savannah or Billings?
The price-to-income ratio in Savannah is 5.6× ($310K home, $55K income) vs 5.3× in Billings. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Billings is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Savannah vs Billings?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,196/month in Savannah and $1,157/month in Billings. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Savannah has a 5.5% state income tax rate vs Billings's 6.8% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $78+/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.