Cost of Living: Huntington Beach, CA vs Torrance, CA (2026)

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Torrance

California
218

Huntington Beach is 4% more expensive than Torrance.

$2,424/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↓ 9%
$119,885/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↓ 6%
$1,047,300 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↓ 1%
$2,436/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↓ 6%
196,010
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Torrance, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $6,780/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Torrance — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Torrance is cheaper to live in with an index of 218 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Torrance?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Torrance?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $6,780/year higher in Huntington Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Huntington Beach or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntington Beach details → View Torrance details →

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