Long Beach vs St. George for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Long Beach California | St. George Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,900 | $1,050Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $3,300 | $1,750Better |
| Median home price | $720K | $440KBetter |
| Median household income | $70KBetter | $62K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,924 | $1,248Better |
| State income tax | 9.3% | 4.7%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.3% | 7.2%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $148Better | $148 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 108 | 98Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Long Beach or St. George?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, St. George scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,750/mo in St. George vs $3,300/mo. St. George is approximately 35% 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 St. George?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $3,300/month in Long Beach and $1,750/month in St. George. St. George is 47% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Long Beach or St. George?
The price-to-income ratio in Long Beach is 10.3× ($720K median home, $70K median income). In St. George it's 7.1× ($440K home, $62K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — St. George is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Long Beach vs St. George?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,924/month in Long Beach and $1,248/month in St. George, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$8,112/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Long Beach has a 9.3% state income tax rate vs St. George's 4.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $460/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Long Beach has the same purchasing power as $65K in St. George
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026