Long Beach vs Billings for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Long Beach California | Billings Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,900 | $950Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $3,300 | $1,600Better |
| Median home price | $720K | $320KBetter |
| Median household income | $70KBetter | $60K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,924 | $1,157Better |
| State income tax | 9.3% | 6.8%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.3% | 0%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $148Better | $148 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 108 | 97Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Long Beach or Billings?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Billings scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,600/mo in Billings vs $3,300/mo. Billings is approximately 40% 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 Long Beach vs Billings?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $3,300/month in Long Beach and $1,600/month in Billings. Billings is 52% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Long Beach or Billings?
The price-to-income ratio in Long Beach is 10.3× ($720K median home, $70K median income). In Billings it's 5.3× ($320K home, $60K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Billings is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Long Beach vs Billings?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,924/month in Long Beach and $1,157/month in Billings, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$9,204/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Long Beach has a 9.3% state income tax rate vs Billings's 6.8% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $250/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Long Beach has the same purchasing power as $60K in Billings
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026