A new report found that Nassau and Suffolk counties combine to form the second-most expensive region to live for a family of four in the United States, behind Washington, D.C.

On a list of the 10 most expensive places to live in the country, Long Island ranked No. 2 -- surpassing even New York City, in the study by the Economic Policy Institute.

The study looked at 618 metropolitan areas across the country and ranked them based on costs of housing, child care, food, transportation and taxes.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average cost of rent here on Long Island is more than $19,000 a year. As for taxes, the number is more than $16,000.

Erin Davies and her fiance Blake Schneiderman, who both grew up on the Island, say they're looking to buy a house and start a family. But the high cost of living is pricing a lot of people out.

David Sprintzen, from the Long Island Progressive Coalition, says middle class families feel the brunt of the high costs. He says regular people often have to have two jobs just to maintain a basic standard of living.