Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Long Beach, CA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Atlanta is 28% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,617/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 12%
$81,938/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 2%
$420,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 81%
$1,695/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 12%
499,287
Population
458,491

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $2,031/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Atlanta or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Long Beach?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Long Beach?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $2,031/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Long Beach details →

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