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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Long Beach is 26% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,803/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 34%
$83,969/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 43%
$762,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 37%
$1,890/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 29%
458,491
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $35,916/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Long Beach or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $35,916/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 Long Beach or Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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