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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Long Beach is 29% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,803/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 52%
$83,969/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 51%
$762,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 37%
$1,890/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 39%
458,491
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $939/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $11,268/year.

Median household income is $42,500/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Long Beach or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Cambridge?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $939/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Cambridge?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $42,500/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Cambridge details →

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