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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Long Beach is 33% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,803/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 18%
$83,969/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 29%
$762,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 77%
$1,890/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 24%
458,491
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $24,589/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Long Beach or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Berkeley?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Berkeley?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $24,589/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Long Beach or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Berkeley details →

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